Let’s recap! Data Science focuses on the interpretation of data. Machine Learning (ML) is, yes as indicated, machine learning and decision making derived from data. ML increasingly uses artificial neural networks to reenact the human brain and nervous system. And A.I.? Well A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) is the mother of these subsets and defines the action of intelligent machines, such as autonomous vehicles, so that they work and react just like us humans.
With 80% of emerging technologies set to have A.I. ‘foundations’ by 2021, there is a pressing need to ensure A.I. will work with humans in a positive way.
Less repetitive and risky jobs: although naysayers claim that millions of jobs will be replaced by A.I., many more engaging roles will be created with machines which don’t feel pain and have greater productivity.
Bridging social and cultural divide: when working, learning or out-and-about, A.I. will lift communication barriers by providing real-time digital translation. Faster and more accurate than Google translate, eating out we’ll be able to say more than “There’s a fly in my soup”.
Affordable healthcare: nanobots will swim in our bloodstream, destroying plaque and blood clots in their wake. Not only will our steps be counted, smart watches will monitor our overall health as well. Although A.I. cannot provide more hospital beds, it will be able to symptom check, with great accuracy, in real-time, offer diagnosis and advice using A.I. powered chatbots. With technology taking the strain, patients will gain greater access to medical specialists, saving more time = money to afford more beds.
Creativity and cultural consumption: Dr. Ahmed Elgammal explores whether A.I. can be artistically expressive by programming machines to create traditional-styled art. Moving away from the domain of self-expression, artists such as Refik Anadol use A.I. and sensors to create art that is responsive to humans and their immediate environment. In the future, cultural audiences will be participants and, in turn, art will be more reflective of society.
Care for the elderly: improved independence for senior citizens (that’ll be us folks!) to live fuller and healthier lives. A.I. robots will be mindful to give medication and be able to locate spectacles. Our kids won’t have to be so attentive, thereby giving them fuller lives as well.
Changing the climate: technology, alongside activism, will help to save the environment. Microsoft’s initiative A.I. for Earth is already looking at innovative ways for A.I. to mobilise change.
Fintech: A.I. will bring that missing personal connection back to banking whilst automating banking services. Chatbots will assist us in financial decision making, getting to know our capacity to spend and save so we can make timely financial decisions. Fintechs like Oak North are using an A.I. powered platform to drive data-driven decision making in respect to loans.
Baby simulators: robots simulators will be able to enact a myriad of scenarios helping humans to become more practised and better at what they do before they do it. For instance, A.I. baby robots will help future parents in preparing for parenthood.
Energy efficiency: with Big Data comes big insights. We will be able to conserve energy across all products, large and small.
And just like Steve Jobs we have ‘one more thing’…time: with machines undertaking repetitive tasks, as well as benefiting from longer holidays, A.I. will free up time to refocus on helping humankind and the environment. There will be spare capacity to clean up the ocean, visit the elderly and offer reading support at the local primary school.