Some experts answer, “Of course a computer can be conscious. The human brain, for instance, is a computer, and it has conscious experiences. So computer consciousness is not just possible, it is commonplace.” These experts differ, however, on why, exactly, the brain can be conscious.

When you are awake, your brain generates about 12-25 watts of electricity – which is enough to power a small light bulb. The brain also works fast. The information going from your arms/legs to your brain travels at a speed of 150-260 miles per hour.

K computer and human brain In late 2013, researchers in Japan and Germany used the K computer, then 4th fastest supercomputer, and the simulation software NEST to simulate 1% of the human brain. The simulation modeled a network consisting of 1.73 billion nerve cells connected by 10.4 trillion synapses.

Since consciousness is the awareness of internal and external environments, and since computers and machines are aware of their environment, self-awareness is recognition of that consciousness. Since self-awareness does not require a biological origin, today’s machines can be categorized as self-aware.

By 2020, it is projected that intelligent machines will eliminate 1.8 million jobs (source), making human labor extremely vulnerable at the advent of AI and Robotics. In fact, AI won’t rule the world on its own. Humans need to navigate; robotics will only bring [organisations] there faster.

As many as 2.7 million construction positions could be replaced by machines by 2057, a recent study from the Midwest Economic Policy Institute (MEPI) found. The study claims about 49% of all construction jobs can be automated, which would save time and money.

Increasingly, we are even seeing the power of AI being applied to activities such as analysing contracts in bulk, allowing law firms to process work faster, improving client service and increasing profit levels. AI has the potential to truly transform the legal industry and how those within it work.

But AI will transform accounting, not replaced Accountants. Look, there is no doubt that AI technology can handle many basic accounting tasks faster, more efficiently, and without human error. Not only that, but companies will always need human accountants to analyze and interpret AI data.

Accounting’s future is bright, with a projected 10% increase in accountant and auditor employment between 2016 and 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Not only does the future of the accounting profession look promising, but the industry is also rapidly evolving with the rise of technology.

Here are the five biggest challenges accountants and CPAs face today, along with actions you can take to turn crisis into opportunity.

1. Commoditization of Core Services.
2. Cybersecurity.
3. Upskilling.
4. Diversity and Inclusion.
5. Staying Up to Date on Technology.