This is a confused article.

It says “AI and machine learning skills”

Then it goes on to say:

The biggest use cases for AI in development are automating repetitive tasks (40%), creating layout and pages (34%), and detecting bugs. About a third of leaders believe AI is freeing up developers to spend time on more meaningful work.

So are they saying using LLMs? Which is not “AI and machine learning skills”

Not in a developer context. Doing machine learning is not “freeing up developers to spend time on meaningful work” it is the meaningful work.