AI is a hot topic. Everyone seems to believe that robots will take all of our jobs and that the workplace will never be the same once AI truly latches on, but this just isn’t the case. Not to say that, as a workforce, we will not have to diligently be watching what processes will be automated, which, in turn, could impact our career at any given time —because that’s the truth. We will need to be more nimble and focus on what cannot be automated, which can include anything with taking care of people -- healthcare.

Will AI transform the workplace? Absolutely. Will you be replaced by Amazon’s Alexa? Probably not.

Here are 5 myths of AI in the workplace that we need to debunk …

MYTH #1: ROBOTS WILL REPLACE TEAM MEMBERS

A myth to some, but not to all. Generally speaking, robots aren’t going to swoop in and start replacing humans across the board —but it is happening in areas like warehousing, call centers, etc. and it will happen in other areas like accounting and law.

However, it’s forcing the workforce to focus on things that are less mundane and more important. It will allow us to become more productive, more accurate, and more creative.

While 1.8 million jobs are expected to be lost to AI by 2020, 2.3 million jobs will be created, according to Gartner. The proof is in the numbers. AI is actually boosting employment. If everyone is focused on using AI as a tool for growth and progress.

MYTH #2: AI & ROBOTS ARE THE SAME THINGS

Even though many people believe AI and robots are interchangeable, most AI actually works behind the scenes and is unseen. Robots can automate simple processes. This is another reason why AI and robots will never fully replace humans in the workplace. In conventional terms, robotics and AI are two different fields and serve completely different purposes.

Robotics refers to the technology behind the actual device programmed to perform set tasks autonomously using sensor and actuators. AI is software that is built with algorithms to complete tasks that would have required human intelligence. There is some overlap with AI-powered robots, though the AI algorithms only form part of the larger robotic system.

MYTH #3: AI WON’T AFFECT EVERY INDUSTRY

You may think that your job, industry or company won’t be affected by AI, but the truth is, AI is expected to have a huge impact on nearly every industry in the next five years. Regardless of what you do, be prepared for AI to mix things up and change the way you work.

MYTH #4: AI & MACHINE LEARNING ARE THE SAME

AI is a broader term and machine learning is a subset of AI that enables intelligence through the utilization of training algorithms and data. Deep learning is an even more narrow subset of machine learning inspired by the interconnected neurons of the brain.

MYTH #5: CHANGE IS STILL FAR AWAY

If you think change is still far away and that you have a wealth of time to get familiar with AI, think again. It’s being used as we speak. If you’re using Siri —that’s AI. Your smart home thermostat, that’s AI too. In fact, there are a plethora of real estate startups that are focused on making real estate easier and more efficient via AI. It’s not as far away as you think, and it’s time to get on board or get left behind.