Dumisani Moyo | Marketing Director | SAP Africa | mail me |
In today’s world, it’s nearly impossible to imagine life without technology and computers. Initially confined to workplaces, computers quickly became ingrained in many aspects of our daily lives, such as shopping, and, most recently, remote work.
With the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), computers can now mimic human cognitive abilities, such as learning and reasoning, and make independent decisions, just like humans, and there is much more to come.
The business world and society are increasingly turning to cognitive technologies to tackle complex challenges. AI is being harnessed not only for business purposes but also to address pressing global issues such as climate change, positioning it as a transformative technology poised to revolutionise the world.
Cognitive technologies, also known as thinking technologies, simulate human thought processes and are part of the broader field of AI, which includes algorithms, Robotic Process Automation, Machine Learning, and Natural Language Processing. In essence, AI encompasses computer systems that perform tasks like learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and understanding natural languages.
Key tenants of AI
Before delving deeper into AI and its real-world applications, it is crucial to grasp the fundamental tenets that make up AI.
These tenets encompass three main subsets of AI:
- Machine Learning (ML)
ML is a subset of AI that enables a machine or system to learn and improve from experience.
Instead of explicit programming, machine learning uses algorithms to analyse large amounts of data, learn from the insights, and then make informed decisions. Machine learning algorithms improve performance over time as they are exposed to more data.
- Deep Learning
Deep Learning is an advanced form of machine learning, where machines learn to decipher complex data patterns.
These models autonomously discover and extract hierarchical features, excelling in tasks like image and speech recognition.
- Natural Language Processing
Natural Language Processing focuses on the interaction between machines or computers and human language, enabling computers to both read and interpret human languages proficiently.
How does AI work?
AI systems are fed vast amounts of data, which they meticulously analyse for correlations or patterns. These patterns are then utilised to make insightful decisions or predictions about future states. Even though this technology is still in its early stages of development, there are numerous scenarios where AI has seamlessly integrated itself into our daily lives.
Consider the common practice of unlocking a smartphone using facial recognition. The phone’s camera captures and analyses thousands of invisible infrared dots to construct a detailed map of your face. It then employs algorithms to compare this scan of your face with the stored image to determine whether the person attempting to unlock the phone is indeed you, all this happens in a split second, thanks to AI.
In the transportation industry, we find yet another real-life example showcasing the application of AI. Ride-hailing or ridesharing companies are actively leveraging the capabilities of AI and ML to facilitate the advancement of reliable and seamless transportation solutions. AI empowers them to establish highly efficient ride-sharing platforms, and offer users, both drivers and passengers, with precise recommendations for optimal pickup, routing, and drop-off points.
The latest AI phenomenon is ChatGPT, which is based on Generative AI. GenAI utilises deep-learning models capable of generating high-quality text and images. ChatGPT is designed for natural language comprehension and generation and engages in text-based conversations with users to generate coherent and contextually relevant responses across a wide range of topics. Users can use ChatGPT for tasks like drafting emails, brainstorming ideas, learning new topics, and much more.
Application of AI
The utilisation of AI is progressively on the increase across various industries, and this trajectory is expected to further accelerate. This momentum is driven by significant investments from leading tech companies, channelling billions of dollars into the development and advancement of AI technologies specifically tailored for business applications.
Incorporating AI technologies into business operations not only boosts efficiencies, increases productivity, and reduces costs, but it also fosters…
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Read the full article by Dumisani Moyo, Marketing Director, SAP Africa, as well as a host of other topical management articles written by professionals, consultants and academics in the October/November 2023 edition of BusinessBrief.
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