“Artificial intelligence will reach human levels by around 2029. Follow that out further to, say, 2045, we will have multiplied the intelligence, the human biological machine intelligence of our civilization a billion-fold.” – Ray Kurzweil
Unbeknownst to most people, artificial intelligence and machine learning technology are playing active roles in our daily lives. From the hospital room to the boardroom, in one way or another AI is most likely present in your life.
According to a global survey interviewing 6,000 people, only 33% think they use AI services or products. In reality, that number is closer to 77%. Companies like Google, Amazon, and Facebook are using technology in hopes of bettering your experience as a consumer, and the number of companies using AI is only expected to grow in the coming months and years.
There is no arguing that the past two decades have brought immense changes and advancements to the world of technology, but which ones are the most important and relevant? Recent developments in cancer research and data processing are more complex, but others, like Microsoft’s Cortana, are so common they almost blend into the background.
Healthcare
At the hands of researchers and scientists, AI and machine learning technology have progressed exponentially in recent years. Arguably, AI’s presence in healthcare is its most important application, as the technology has the capacity to diagnose cancer early and accurately, process mass data, and even assist in surgery.
Through the use of this technology, significant breakthroughs have been made in diagnosing cancer and other diseases. Researchers at MIT have seen successful results diagnosing breast cancer and using machine learning to differentiate malignant lesions from benign ones.
On a smaller scale, strides have been made with regard to rarer cancers as well. Software company OWKIN has seen success with regard to AI and mesothelioma, a cancer with about 3,000 new cases each year in the U.S. Through the use of AI, OWKIN is successfully using patient data to determine possible next steps for treatment, including immunotherapy.
AI’s inability to see the big picture proves that it’s nowhere near perfect (yet), but it’s already improving diagnoses, imaging and could play a vital role in finding a cure for cancer. Although AI is already helping us improve diagnoses, imaging, and could play a vital role in finding a cure for cancer, it won’t be replacing physicians anytime soon.
Workplace
What if someone could tell you who the best candidate for a position you’re hiring for is?
Recruiting efforts may become a lot easier (and more effective) thanks to AI. According to Forbes, “…studies have shown that humans are notoriously bad at picking the right applicant and a meta-analysis illustrated that algorithms can outperform human experts in hiring.”
Many businesses are now using the technology to screen candidates’ resumes and recruit the statistically perfect person for a role. This process is sure to save recruiters time and ensure the right person is selected. Similar to medical AI, however, the technology is not yet advanced enough to take over the process, but it is sure to make a recruiter’s job easier in the long run.
Aside from a recruiting standpoint, AI also has an ongoing presence throughout the office. In today’s society filled with fast-paced office environments, every minute of the workday is precious. Using AI to improve data collection and processing, for example, saves employees a considerable amount of time and, ultimately, saves employers a considerable amount of money.
Home Life
If you’re part of the large number of people who think they aren’t using AI, you’re likely mistaken. In addition to the rapid advancements being made using technology in medicine and at work, AI also affects everyday life – down to how you interact with your television and social media accounts. Whether it’s asking Siri for the local weather report or chatting with a bot for assistance through Google’s new AI assistant, the world is rapidly beginning to evolve around us.
Unfortunately, AI is not always used for good. Facebook recently came under fire after sharing personal user data with multiple companies and has been using AI for advertising for years. Using AI to analyze what posts we interact with on the social media platform, “targeted advertising” helps businesses identify personal information such as what political party we identify with, our age, race and what devices we use to access the network. To ensure we’re seeing the perfect ad as we scroll, this technology tailors advertisements to each individual. For example, a 32-year-old mother of two would see different ads than a man approaching retirement.
There’s no telling where AI will take us in the future. Someday, AI could very well take over tasks assigned to doctors, however tedious, or completely recruit the perfect candidate for your company on its own. That day may not be today, but technology is already much more advanced than we could have ever imagined at the start of the 21st century.
