artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a hot new trend. The technology is here already disrupting a variety of industries as more and more innovators look to harness its power.
The combination of AI and human skills has unprecedented potential, of which we’re only starting the scratch the surface. At Ricoh, we recognize AI as a force to be reckoned with, and one that is here to stay.
But we find ourselves asking the question: how will it affect you and your business?
So, here are 3 trends that we think companies should keep an eye on.

 

Ever-present infrastructure

Cloud computing is massively popular, both for personal and business use. The cloud allows you to be “always on,” with a limitless approach to computing. Combining AI with this type of infrastructure could create great changes in the future.
Quantum computing, for example, uses the laws of quantum mechanics to process information. It uses quantum bits, or qubits, and concepts like superposition and entanglement to process a vast number of calculations simultaneously (think encryption, for starters), and it could be greatly affected by AI.
These types of computers could solve problems much faster than our modern-day computers, and would propel machine learning. Quantum computing is in its infancy right now, but both practical and theoretical research are continuing.

 

Bio-hacking

While it might seem like the name of the next blockbuster sci-fi movie, bio-hacking exists and it’s becoming more powerful, albeit controversial, as AI grows.
Bio-hacking can be defined as an “activity of exploiting genetic material experimentally without regard to accepted ethical standards, or for criminal purposes.” What if within the next decade you could implant a chip into your brain that would detect diseases like cancer before you showed any symptoms. Would you do it?
Although this bio-chip technology exists, it’s not quite in widespread use. But, time will tell where this technology is headed.

 

AI for everyone

Despite machine learning being fairly commonplace today, we haven’t yet seen a full dissemination of AI technology. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s not coming…for businesses and consumers alike!
For example, several major automakers have designed and tested autonomous vehicles that are likely to hit the market in the coming years.
AI, and robots in particular, are making their way into other industries as well. Take for instance manufacturing: robots and automation have, in many cases, allowed organizations to improve efficiencies and redeploy humans to more value-added tasks. With this technology, the future of businesses may not rest in human resources but rather technological capabilities, such as AI.
How do you think the progression of AI will affect our daily lives? Are there parts of your business in which you think AI could play a larger role?