How Artificial Intelligence will change the world in 2021
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a hot topic and one that has increased in interest over the last few years, from both individuals and organisations.
As businesses look to use AI to make improvements and simplify processes within their business, the interest in Artificial Intelligence jobs and career prospects has also increased. Many of those individuals interested in AI come from IT or Technology backgrounds, however, anyone can train to become an AI specialist.
First, let’s review a few fundamental points about Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Artificial Intelligence enables machines and computers to replicate the learning, perception, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities of the human mind. This is achieved through the creation and application of algorithms, which enables a computer or machine to learn from examples and experiences, recognising objects, understand and respond to language, and then use this knowledge to successfully perform functions carried out by humans.
Artificial intelligence is different to natural intelligence displayed by animals and humans, as there is a lack of consciousness and emotion.
The term ‘Artificial Intelligence’ was coined by computer scientist John McCarthy, known as the “Father of AI” due to his thought and dedication to this field. John’s time at Caltech University inspired his work in Artificial Intelligence, including the development of the Lisp programming language family, the design of the ALGOL programming language, and timesharing (what we know today as cloud computing).
The total volume of data generated by machines and computers today far outpaces our ability to absorb, interpret, and make complex decisions around that data. Artificial intelligence will form the basis for all computer learning, making it the future of all complex decision making.
As an example, many of us can win a game of noughts and crosses/tic-tac-toe, which has over 255k unique outcomes. There is no way we would be able to compete with the sale and efficiency of computers, which can successfully calculate large combinations of numbers exceeding 500 quintillion, and select the best decision for the desired outcome.
With these skills and abilities, AI and deep learning will become the foundational future of business decision making.
To get to this stage requires three components:
Artificial Intelligence offers unlimited and unrivalled opportunities for 2021 and beyond. The increase in interest from developers, organisations and individuals, makes AI an interesting career opportunity for those interested in this niche sector, and this is an area that will only continue to get more popular as time goes by and technology advances.
The Covid-19 pandemic sped up the implementation and adoption of AI, meaning we are further ahead from a development and implementation perspective, compared with the predicted schedule.
There are many exciting opportunities that AI can bring, which will help improve business success, efficiency and help improve our quality of life.
AI talent is a prime focus – There is a genuine need for highly skilled, talented developers to help accelerate the adoption of AI in 2021. There is a talent skills gap, but with new courses and training opportunities available, anyone can get started learning about Artificial Intelligence and become certified, making them job ready.
IT has pushed AT forward – Many organisations adopted AI in 2020, and with organisations seeing the benefits of AI, it’s expected that this will have a positive impact on AI for mass adoption.
Voice and language-driven intelligence is moving – As organisations allow their employees to work from home, remote working will drive wider adoption of Automated Speech Recognition (ASR) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) capabilities, specifically in customer contact centres.
Cloud and AI will become symbiotic – The Director of Client Innovation at Exigent, Rico Burnett, noted that “Artificial intelligence is going to play a significant part in broader adoption of cloud solutions. The monitoring and management of cloud resources and the vast amounts of data that will be generated will be supercharged through the deployment of artificial intelligence.”
AI ethics and standards will need to be set and measured against – In 2021, AI focussed international partnerships have moved from an idea to reality. They will continue to offer expertise and alignment solutions on how businesses can leverage AI to work against global problems, stimulate economic growth, innovation, and ensure inclusion and diversity.
Vaccine development – Typically, vaccines take years (sometimes decades) to develop, but thanks to AI models helping researchers review and analyse large volumes of data about different viruses.
Fully automated driving & Robotaxis – Throughout 2020, Autonomous driving technology continued to grow and develop, with Robotaxis and fully automated cars being tested and rolled out at the beta stage, across a wide range of cities around the world, from the U.S.A to China.
AI Chips – An essential element of Artificial Intelligence is the AI Chips – hardware customised for specific tasks, rather than standard computer chips designed to support AI tasks. AI-specific processors can optimise performance for tasks, such as deep learning, thanks to their modifications with specific systems.
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