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... The "Iceberg Index" counts the different types of AI agents conducting work previously done by human labor. The initial index numbers indicate that just 13,000 agents could expose 151 million human workers, or about 11.7% of the workforce population, to job or wage losses.

The research paper said the AI agent population -- which could ultimately overtake the human population -- needs to be quantified. The metric provides a snapshot of how the AI era is shifting productivity, skill development, and job creation and development.

Because existing employment numbers from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics look backward, not forward, an AI job index is needed, the researchers said. They argued the data offers a forward-looking view how AI will replace workers and helps leaders plan for skills development and investment planning.

"The labor market is evolving faster than current data systems can capture," the researchers said, adding that "existing workforce planning frameworks were designed for human-only economies." ...