AI as a Partner for the Future?

For technologists and futurists and other more scientifically minded people ‘AI’ represents an exciting frontier where humanity will be taken to new heights underpinned by smarter, more efficient ways of achieving its goals.

For others AI connotes a dystopian future; a future where many jobs become obsolete and humanity is ‘dumbed down’, not having to think for itself.

In popular culture, AI is often represented as something to be feared.

Common narratives in Science Fiction reflect upon – and play directly to – people’s fears of the unknown future and unchecked technology’s role in it.

But what about the leaps and bounds AI technology has moved humanity forward in recent years?

Robotics is a good example.

In manufacturing, AI driven robots increasingly assist in production lines with the more dangerous, strenuous and repetitive tasks.

Smart robots are increasingly involved in other dangerous jobs such as search and rescue, bomb defusing and in perilous military operations.

In medicine, robotics is pioneering highly specific and delicate life saving surgeries.

All are guided by human decisions, assisted by technology

In cyberspace, AI software systems routinely improve efficiencies in work and online safety.

Social Media platforms are monitored by AI algorithms to scan for offensive or illegal user generated content – something that is simply not possible in real time by humans.

In Finance, automated portfolio managers are increasingly being used to not only save time and money but also to achieve better results.

Diagnostic tools and disease mapping and projections help medical professionals to make decisions with greater accuracy… highly relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In fact, the rise of Quantum Computing is being heralded as the major way forward in solving many of society’s most pressing issues – disease, famine, the environment – even the mysteries of space and the origins of the universe.

Chat bots, smart maps, Alexa, Siri, Amazon, Google, Netflix, Uber – all common, daily-use companies and applications that use AI algorithms to improve both the user experience and back-end internal efficiencies.

Smartphones, self-driving Cars, the International Space Station… the list goes on.

Increasingly, almost everything will be eventually touched and reinvented with AI.

In each case, safety and functionality are immeasurably improved with the aid of AI and technology

And all of these developments will still require human actors and human thought, as they do now.

Presence detection is another key area where innovation in technology and AI combine to increase safety and efficiency in real world situations.

Foresense Technologies is a world leader in this field.