ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: MATTERS ARISING
As we grapple with the vagaries of life in general and the challenges arising therefrom, technology is fast taking over our way of thinking and the actions we take as human beings.
This is the era of artificial intelligence whereby robots have been scientifically created to take over some or many of human activities. Only recently, a full church service took place in Germany and robots were in charge of all departments from the beginning to the end.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is machine-displayed intelligence that simulates human behavior or thinking and can be trained to solve specific problems.
AI is a combination of Machine Learning techniques and Deep Learning. Types of Artificial Intelligence models are trained using vast volumes of data and have the ability to make intelligent decisions.
According to Statista, revenue from the Artificial Intelligence software market worldwide is expected to reach 126 billion dollars by 2025
Gartner says that 37% of organizations have implemented AI in some form. The percentage of enterprises employing AI grew 270% over the past four years. Servion Global Solutions says that by 2025, 95% of customer interactions will be powered by AI.
A recent 2020 report from Statista reveals that the global AI software market is expected to grow approximately 54% year-on-year and is expected to reach a forecast size of USD $22.6 billion.
Artificial Intelligence technology is now used to create recommendation engines through which one can engage better with customers. Dawood Patel, CEO of Helm, comments: “AI and ML have demonstrated impressive capabilities in automating tasks, processing large amounts of data, and making informed decisions.
Think of those chatbots that handle customer service inquiries or help you reboot your internet when it’s down, AI has undoubtedly enhanced various domains.
“However, beyond the surface of things like sentiment analysis, AI lacks the ability to comprehend emotions, empathy, and the intricacies of human relationships which are essential for it to be able to do its job. It’s important that we continue to harness the emotion and empathy required or we are in danger of becoming a robotic society.
“Understanding emotions and interpreting personal touches are quintessential human traits that arise from our complex neural networks and emotional intelligence. AI might be able to recognise facial expressions, but it cannot understand the depth of emotions that underlie them.”
Only humans can perceive these nuances and adapt their approach accordingly to build meaningful connections.
“One of the greatest concerns surrounding AI is the potential threat to jobs. While it is true that some routine and repetitive tasks may be automated, the integration of AI and ML will lead to the evolution of existing jobs rather than mass unemployment.
“As AI takes over mundane tasks, it frees up humans to focus on more creative, strategic, and high-level responsibilities which cannot be undertaken by machines. Much like certain jobs implemented with AI could not be fulfilled by humans,” explains Patel.
An example of this would be a conveyor belt in a factory where AI-powered diagnostic tools can analyse the quality of fruit (or if a pizza has been perfectly topped with cheese) with impressive accuracy.
While AI can assist in detecting items that are not up to standard for export or resale, it cannot replace the expertise and intuition of a seasoned medical professional for example. This person will understand and consider a patient’s lifestyle, and emotional well-being before making a diagnosis and prescribing a treatment plan.
“Instead of replacing doctors, AI serves as a valuable tool here to enhance their abilities and streamlining the diagnostic process, supporting the doctor.”
As AI continues to advance, it will create new job opportunities that require uniquely human skills. The development and maintenance of AI systems will require skilled professionals with expertise in data science, Machine Learning, and computer programming.
Additionally, AI’s integration across various industries will demand individuals who can understand, interpret, and leverage AI-driven insights to make informed decisions and drive innovation.
“For hardworking people who seek growth in their careers, the rise of AI represents an opportunity rather than a threat. Embracing AI technology and acquiring the necessary skills to work alongside it can open doors to new and challenging roles. These roles may involve humanAI collaboration, strategic planning, creativity, and problem-solving – the aspects of a job that demand the human touch. This is what excites me,” said Patel.
The future of AI and ML is undoubtedly promising, but it is crucial to recognise the indispensable role of humans.
“Emotion, personal touches, and human nuances are qualities that define our humanity and set us apart from machines. Rather than replacing humans, AI will augment and elevate our capabilities, leading to the evolution of jobs and the emergence of new opportunities,” concludes Patel.
Recommendations are made in accordance with browsing history, preference, and interests. These help in improving relationships with customers and their loyalty towards any brands.
For instance, Virtual shopping assistants and chatbots help improve the user experience while shopping online whereby Natural Language Processing is used to make the conversation sound as human and personal as possible. Moreover, these assistants can have real-time engagement with your customers. Credit card frauds and fake reviews are two of the most significant issues that E-Commerce companies deal with. By considering the usage patterns, AI can help reduce the possibility of credit card fraud taking place. Many customers prefer to buy a product or service based on customer reviews. AI can help identify and handle fake news.