Once upon a time, artificial intelligence was a concept that could prompt a heady mixture of thrills and anxiety when it was portrayed in films, or featured as a plot device in science fiction novels.
These days, however, AI is becoming an increasingly integral part of our society – sometimes controversially so, as in the case of ChatGPT.
While this kind of technology will probably always have its detractors, AI can also have a significant positive impact across various industries.
This is particularly true of the healthcare sector, where it can be used to spot early warning signs of cancer, among other vital applications.
Let’s take a look at four of the most intriguing AI trends of 2023 and the industries they look set to revolutionise this year – and beyond!
- Smart Robots That Can Go Where No Human Should
Last year, the University of Manchester unveiled exciting news about the new generation of smart robots it is developing – machines that will be strong enough (and smart enough) to venture into hostile terrain, where it would be too unsafe for any human being to tread.
Thanks to their impressive levels of intelligence, not to mention their robust design, these robots could be used to provide a safe and efficient solution for a range of industries.
While their primary purpose was to carry out essential work around decommissioned nuclear reactors – and, indeed, they are slated to become an integral part of the nuclear sector in coming years – they can also assist in various other dangerous roles.
These range from helping out in the agricultural world, to carrying out challenging tasks on offshore energy platforms or in outer space, so that human workers no longer have to risk their own lives.
- AI Technology That Can Improve Patients’ Well-being
Our healthcare institutions rely on a diverse range of technological innovations to carry out all kinds of essential tasks.
This reliance on cutting-edge technology starts at the very beginning of an institution’s ‘life’, with healthcare construction management software providing an essential form of assistance to construction companies building a brand-new hospital or clinic.
Software developers such as Kahua specialise in different sectors, including healthcare, providing ingenious technological tools and features that cover everything from infection control to monitoring workers’ daily health and documenting compliance.
Once the hospital or clinic is completed, AI can be deployed in a range of innovative ways to improve patient care, diagnose their condition, keep tabs on their health, and predict their future needs.
With this kind of artificial assistance, it becomes easier for healthcare professionals to spot early warning signs of cancer, for example, and provide essential treatment that could potentially save lives.
AI can also carry out various time-consuming tasks, such as assessing scans, which means that doctors can dedicate more time to their patients.
- AI And Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is a pressing issue these days, with UK businesses of all sizes being affected by cyber-attacks.
These attacks included particularly malicious threats such as ransomware and network intrusions, and 63 were serious enough to warrant a national-level response.
AI has the potential to make a significant difference in the realm of cybersecurity – although unfortunately, it is likely to prove beneficial to attackers as much as to those being attacked.
For instance, cyber criminals can use AI-generated deepfakes to infiltrate companies, unnoticed, and this has the potential to seriously destabilise any organisation unaware of the danger.
On the plus side, however, AI can be used in collaboration with human IT experts to shore up a company’s virtual defences, analysing and responding to potential threats much more quickly than a human being may be able to.
Because AI has the ability to constantly monitor a wide range of data in real-time, recognise potential impostors, and react much more swiftly, its usage reduces the risk of human error and makes it easier for companies to respond to a possible attack.
- Simplifying Your Holidays – AI Augments The Travel Sector
Many of us are already familiar with AI customer support innovations such as chatbots, which are widely used on company websites and can often be confused for genuine human assistants.
This customer service trend looks set to continue throughout 2023 and beyond, particularly when it comes to the travel industry, which has been plagued by staff shortages across all areas of the sector – from airports to hotels, bars, and restaurants.
While chatbots are already used in the industry to achieve everything from booking hotel rooms to making recommendations and create ‘smart’ hotel rooms, the application of travel and hospitality-based AI can be taken even further.
As Japan has proven (admittedly with mixed results) with its famous robot-staffed hotel, AI can take on more full-time roles, from preparing meals for guests to mixing cocktails, tracking luggage, and even helping to screen travellers to detect signs of Covid-19.
Looking ahead, it seems perfectly plausible that robot workers could soon be in charge of arranging your entire holiday – from booking your flights and hotels, to assisting at the airport, checking you into your hotel, and making sure the room is perfectly to your liking.
Summing Up
As you can see, some of the biggest AI trends of 2023 have far-reaching implications for various industries and businesses.
While some of us may have our doubts about robotic helpers, there seems little doubt that AI can bring many benefits, despite the legal complexities surroundings its usage.
One thing is for sure; even if we have reservations, we will need to learn how to adapt to these exciting new innovations – while, at the same time, still making sure that we never lose our unique and all-important human touch.
