Most companies have frameworks, processes and rules to make sure their production output is consistent. This happens not only in manufacturing, but in all productive sectors. Once you have all your processes mapped, you can automate parts of it, reducing the workforce and saving money. With AI this automatization of industries will be faster, just it. That said, in the very near future (less than 2 years) knowing AI will not be a nice plus on resumés, but a must have. Interacting with AI (generative AI) is something that will be essential to any industry and top company.

However, talent can't be replaced with AI. The best people of anything will always be valuable, no matter how automated or buzz-wordy the market becomes.