Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a concept of the future. In Chile, it is changing the way people work, companies produce goods and services are delivered. From mining to education, AI has become part of everyday working life, generating both enthusiasm and uncertainty.
In this article from CalendarioChile.com we explore how artificial intelligence is transforming Chilean employment, which sectors are leading the change, and what challenges lie ahead in the coming years.
The advancement of artificial intelligence in the Chilean labor market
In recent years, Chile has stood out as one of the Latin American countries with the highest adoption of technology. According to studies by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), more than 40% of Chilean companies already use automation or advanced analytics tools to optimize processes.
The most common AI applications in Chile include:
Chatbots and virtual assistants in financial services and customer service.
Predictive algorithms in mining and energy.
Data analysis and machine learning models in education and health.
Fraud detection and cybersecurity in banking.
This has led to greater efficiency, fewer errors, and better user experiences, although it has also posed new challenges in training and employment.
Sectors where artificial intelligence has the greatest impact in Chile
Mining and energy
Mining, one of the country's economic pillars, is also a laboratory for innovation. Companies like Codelco and BHP Billiton are implementing AI to predict machinery failures, optimize routes, and reduce workplace hazards.
This has boosted the demand for professionals in data analysis, industrial robotics, and predictive maintenance .
Health and well-being
Chilean hospitals and clinics are increasingly using AI in medical diagnosis. Examples include image analysis systems to detect cancer and algorithms that predict outbreaks of respiratory diseases.
These tools do not replace doctors, but they do complement their work , making the processes faster and more accurate.
Education
Chilean education has also been transformed. Platforms like U-Planner and other local solutions allow for personalized learning, analysis of student progress, and automated tutoring.
This opens up new opportunities for teachers who train in digital education and pedagogical innovation .
Finance and services
The financial sector has been one of the first to adopt AI. Banks use chatbots for customer service, automated credit scoring systems, and real-time analytics to prevent fraud.
Thanks to AI, processes become safer and more agile, but they also require professionals specializing in ethics, data, and technological regulation .
The jobs that will disappear and the new ones that will emerge
One of the most debated topics regarding artificial intelligence in Chile is its effect on employment. According to OECD projections, approximately 15% of jobs in Chile could be fully automated by 2030, and another 30% will change significantly due to the use of technology.
The most vulnerable jobs are:
Cashiers and administrative staff.
Urban transport and logistics drivers.
Repetitive work in factories or warehouses.
But at the same time, new job opportunities are emerging, especially in technological areas:
Data engineers and AI scientists.
Cybersecurity specialists.
Digital experience designers.
Consultants in automation and digital transformation.
In this context, training and retraining are key to the future of Chilean work.
Public policies and education for a digital Chile
The Chilean government has made progress in developing policies to address this change. The National Artificial Intelligence Plan , launched by the Ministry of Science, aims to promote research, talent development, and the ethical use of AI in the country.
Furthermore, universities such as the Pontifical Catholic University , the University of Chile , and the Federico Santa María Technical University already offer specialized programs in artificial intelligence and data analysis.
At the educational level, it is expected that more institutions will include computational thinking and programming from basic education, preparing new generations for the digital challenges of the 21st century.
The ethics of artificial intelligence in the Chilean workplace
The incorporation of AI raises important ethical dilemmas:
Who is responsible if an algorithm makes a mistake? How is workers' personal data protected? What about the digital divide?
Chile faces the challenge of regulating and using AI responsibly , ensuring transparency, fairness, and privacy.
Companies that adopt ethical and transparent AI will have an advantage over those who only seek to reduce costs.
How to prepare to work with artificial intelligence in Chile
The best strategy to avoid falling behind is to learn to live with AI .
Some tips for workers and companies:
Continuous training: mastering digital tools, data analysis, and critical thinking.
Work flexibility: adapting to new hybrid roles where humans and artificial intelligence collaborate.
Constant innovation: fostering creativity, leadership and teamwork, skills that are difficult to automate.
Digital certifications: look for programs from SENCE or international platforms such as Coursera or edX.
At CalendarioChile.com/blog you can find related articles about digital education, job trends and technology in Chile.
The future of Chilean work in the face of artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence is not destroying jobs, but redefining them . Chile has a unique opportunity to become a regional leader if it invests in training, innovation, and appropriate regulation.
The future of Chilean employment will depend on how the country manages to balance technological progress with social inclusion and the well-being of its workers.