Just what is AI? Should we be afraid, sceptical? Wondering where all this is going to end. OR is this just the beginning of an exciting new era. Who knows!
Artificial intelligence or AI. It, as it sounds, will transform industries, companies and the way we live and work. A new generation of businesses will be spawned to meet the challenges of this new age in technology.
Intelligent automation, or deep learning. This deep learning, tackling problems using simple analogies, clear definitions and practical applications. All in under a minute!
Big data analytics examined with huge amounts of data and other information that organisations can harness, in support of better decision making.
AI is also expected to play a crucial role in the field of transportation, we can expect to see more technology in cars in the future. Optimising supply chains, making them more efficient in the future.
Just consider the changes in the printing industry, from messy blocks of type to the digital age we now live in. Or the car industry of 50 years ago.
Can you picture a future where your computer is capable of learning or reasoning?
It’s a little scary for us older folks, I must admit, but I’m afraid that many of us, over the next few years will struggle with the consequences of some of these changes.
There is already talk of cutting out real money, some banks will not except your cash, yet at the moment cash is often used in purchasing goods and services. Cheques are on the way out in favour of direct debit, so how do you give a gift of money to a grandchild for a birthday or Christmas? An “IOU”? No, we have to find out the account number first. Some surprise! And what if it’s a young child, too young for an account.
Have you ever been frustrated that the “AI” on the phone doesn’t understand your query, or it takes so long to get through, they tell you that your call is important to them, just hold on, you’re third in the queue.
By 2030 it is expected that AI will have a big impact on various sectors including healthcare, transportation, finance and manufacturing.
Dr Google might actually be put out of business as AI systems will aid in diagnosing diseases and analysing medical images.
By 2050, genetic makeup will play a big part in tailoring treatments for individual patients. AI will analyse a person’s genetic DNA to determine risks in developing certain diseases and suggest appropriate preventative measures. More robots will be used in complicated surgeries.
It is said that self-driving cars and trucks will be the way of the future, communicating with each other on the road. Education too will be changed forever. Space exploration, with computers able to handle much more information in a fraction of the time that it takes today.
Over the next few weeks this column will dwell a little on “AI” and how it might affect our lives.
How we can either bend with the new technology, no matter what age we are or say that it’s too hard to comprehend, with an I’ll wait it out attitude or with the help of others? The future is coming.
