The future is calling: Will traditional industries answer AI’s call?

Introduction

Ready or not, AI’s coming 

When you think of integrating AI, the usual suspects come to mind—marketing, social media, software development, content creation, video, graphic design, gaming, media… you know what I am trying to say. 

But what about the traditional industries, the ones your parents or grandparents built? Those with long histories, where change feels slow? Do they even know AI exists? What would they think if they knew how it could change their world? 

It might not seem like AI has a place in those industries at first, but trust me—it does. The impact might not be immediate, but it’s coming, and when it does, it’ll disrupt these fields in ways they never saw coming. Think back to when the internet and computers were first introduced—how many doubted they’d ever catch on? Remember when hospitals used to log everything manually? It took years to shift to electronic health records, but now it’s the norm. Or schools—grading went from stacks of paper to e-grades. Change didn’t happen overnight, but when it did, it was impossible to imagine going back. And we can go on with similar examples, but the main point here is that we need to try something new—even if we don’t fully trust it at first—to move forward and grow.

Sure, people in these fields know about AI and its potential, but they’re not rushing to adopt it.

Some industries are taking a more cautious approach, and it’s understandable. They rely on the human touch, trust in long-standing methods, and fear losing what makes them stand out. But as AI becomes more common, the real question is: Will these sectors eventually embrace it, or will they stay stuck in their old ways? 

The decision-makers in industries that aren’t quick to embrace AI are often cautious about the technology’s impact. They are likely to prioritize human experience over automation. And not that they’re wrong, but… 

Let’s take a closer look at these industries, their thoughts on AI, and what can happen in the future. 

When is AI adoption going to happen, and how?

Here’s a deeper look into the industries that are still hesitant:

1. Call Centers: While AI can certainly handle a lot of repetitive tasks like answering calls or providing basic customer support, call centers are still heavily reliant on human interaction. The decision-makers here are often customer service managers or operations directors who care deeply about customer satisfaction.

• What do they think? They acknowledge AI’s potential but worry about the loss of personal touch. Customers don’t always want to talk to a bot; they want to speak to someone who can truly understand their issues.
• When will it happen? It’s happening now with AI tools like chatbots and virtual assistants. But full-scale automation that handles the most complex tasks? We’re looking at a few more years before that becomes the norm.

2. Construction: AI has made its way into some aspects of construction, especially in project management and safety. However, much of the work still requires good old manual labor. Decision-makers in this field are construction managers and project supervisors who need to balance innovation with practical, hands-on work.

• What do they think? There’s interest in improving efficiency, but there’s also skepticism. Every construction project is unique, and AI still struggles with that unpredictability. Plus, many jobs require physical presence and human oversight.
• When will it happen? AI is being used for administrative tasks and planning, but for full AI implementation on job sites, it may take another 5-10 years.

3. Dentistry: Dentists have a lot on their plate—pun intended! AI can be useful for diagnostics, such as identifying cavities or recommending treatment plans, but there’s still something irreplaceable about a dentist’s personal care and patient rapport.

• What do they think? While excited about AI’s diagnostic capabilities, many worry that AI could take away the personal connection patients value.
• When will it happen? AI will gradually become a more prominent tool, but full AI-powered dentistry is still a way off. Expect more integration in the next 2-3 years, particularly in diagnostics.

4. Trucking: AI in trucking is most often associated with self-driving trucks, but for now, trucking companies are focused on AI that helps with fleet management, logistics, and predictive maintenance. The decision-makers here are logistics managers and fleet operators.

• What do they think? There’s cautious optimism. Self-driving trucks are still a controversial topic, especially due to safety concerns, regulatory hurdles, and the complex nature of road conditions.
• When will it happen? We may see AI-driven trucks on the road in a limited capacity in the next 5-10 years, but for now, AI is more useful in managing routes, maintenance, and predictive analytics.

5. Arts and Entertainment: AI is capable of creating music, art, and even writing, but it can’t replace the heart and soul of true creative work. Artists, writers, and musicians are still very much invested in the personal touch.

• What do they think? They respect the potential of AI to assist with repetitive tasks or even spark inspiration, but they see creativity as an inherently human trait.
• When will it happen? AI may assist, but it’s unlikely to fully replace human creativity anytime soon.

6. Healthcare: Healthcare professionals are using AI for diagnostics, treatment recommendations, and research, but there are significant challenges when it comes to trusting machines with patient care. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers are deeply invested in patient trust and experience.

• What do they think? There’s awareness of AI’s capabilities, but many healthcare providers remain cautious about fully relying on it. The stakes are high, and humans are still necessary to manage the emotional and nuanced aspects of patient care.
• When will it happen? AI is already in use for diagnostics, and more will come in the next 3-5 years. However, human doctors and nurses will continue to lead in care delivery for the foreseeable future.

7. Education: While AI can automate grading and assist in personalized learning, teachers and educators have a role that goes far beyond simply imparting knowledge. They provide mentorship, emotional support, and guidance that AI simply can’t replicate.

• What do they think? Teachers are open to AI tools that help with administrative tasks, but they’re concerned about AI replacing the irreplaceable—human interaction in the classroom.
• When will it happen? AI will continue to supplement education, but human teachers will remain central for a long time.

8. Legal Services: AI is already helping with legal research and contract analysis, but lawyers are still needed to represent clients, negotiate deals, and make decisions. The decision-makers here are lawyers and legal managers, who see AI as a useful assistant, but not a replacement.

• What do they think? Lawyers appreciate AI’s ability to process large amounts of data quickly, but when it comes to making judgment calls or representing clients, humans are still irreplaceable.
• When will it happen? Legal tech is growing, but lawyers will still be at the helm for the next 5-10 years.

9. Agriculture: AI in agriculture is helping with large-scale farms, particularly in crop monitoring, irrigation, and predictive analytics. However, many small-scale farms and traditional farming methods are resistant to change.

• What do they think? Farmers, especially those running small farms, see AI as something suited to big corporations, not their operations.
• When will it happen? AI is helping with large-scale farms now, but widespread adoption in traditional farming methods may take longer.

10. Hospitality: The hospitality industry relies on the human touch—whether it’s a friendly greeting at a hotel or personalized recommendations at a restaurant. AI can handle check-ins and bookings, but the core experience is still all about human interaction.

• What do they think? While AI tools are used for operational efficiency, hotel managers, restaurant owners, and other service providers still value human connections in creating an unforgettable experience.
• When will it happen? AI will continue to assist with basic tasks, but full automation isn’t expected to replace humans in hospitality any time soon.

The biggest fears of AI for traditional industries founders

When AI comes up, founders in traditional industries often have a mix of excitement and worry. Here are the main fears:

• “Will AI make my business obsolete?”
  Many founders are scared that AI could replace everything they’ve worked hard for. It’s a tough thought, especially after years of building a loyal customer base.
• “Will AI take away the personal touch?”
  In businesses like hotels, healthcare, and schools, it’s all about people. Founders worry that AI might take away the personal connection that makes their business special.
• “How much is this going to cost me?”
  AI can be expensive, and some founders aren’t sure if it’s worth the investment. Should they spend the money now or stick to what they know?
• “Am I going to fall behind?”
  AI is moving quickly, and some founders worry their competitors will get ahead while they’re still figuring it out.

But.. it’s meant to make things easier and more efficient. It is to know how to find a balance between sticking to what works and trying something new. And despite fears, AI continues integrating into industries. 

Overcoming AI challenges in traditional industries

Yeah, yeah, I get it—AI sounds awesome in theory, and you’re probably thinking, “I’m no tech whiz! How am I supposed to pull this off?” Well, the good news is, you don’t have to be a coding genius or have a PhD in data science to start using AI. Modern AI tools are designed to be user-friendly and accessible to people who aren’t tech experts.

So, where do you begin? 

Start small. Pick one part of your business where AI could make a real difference—whether it’s automating your customer support, improving your supply chain, or streamlining scheduling. Test it out on a small scale first, measure how it’s performing, and then scale up as you see positive results.

Sure, there will be bumps along the way. Data security will be top of mind, and you’ll need to budget carefully, balancing the cost with the potential return. You’ll also have to find that sweet spot between efficiency and the human touch that’s been at the heart of your business for years.

But let’s not forget: every major breakthrough has had its challenges. AI is just another chapter in that same story.

Traditional industries are already being transformed. If you want to take it further, don’t hesitate to reach out to an AI expert or consultant who can guide you through the process and help make it a smooth transition. Contact us, it’s always an option. 🙂 

And if you want to learn more about AI, do not miss our previous blogs!