Publisher’s Points to Ponder: Artificial Intelligence

Big Data and robotics were hot topics when I worked at IBM. Business clients were interested because of the artificial intelligence (AI) component that would impact the way their business would remain viable. The projects I was privy to while working there were unbelievable to me. The most impressive were the robots with human intelligence like the barista prototype. The “barista-bot” was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable of every type of coffee and beverage imaginable. Let’s face it; these are the characteristics we look for in the people who serve us foods and drinks. The difference is that robots give exceptional service without requiring a tip. Saving money is just one example of the influence AI has on the future. Are you for AI or against AI? Would you think differently about AI if you were the barista getting replaced by the barista-bot?

In an ever-changing business climate, the main goal for many is to meet or exceed customers’ expectations without compromising profit. Sometimes it is the only way businesses can compete, so they replace people with machines. Whether we like it or not, technology is emerging into almost every part of our lives. My friend—she who shall not be named—was against all technologies. She was what you would call “old school.” She let everyone know that she would never subscribe to the idea of making her life more comfortable with the use of technology. Then, she got a smartphone. Like businesses decide to replace employees with machines, my friend’s smartphone replaced her need to call her children to ask questions. She had all the answers literally at her fingertips.

Maybe you can relate to my friend’s reluctance that has morphed into an obsession with AI products. Yes, many of us are obsessed with our smart gadgets. You can test your reliance on AI by attempting to leave home without your phone. The idea of that gives me anxiety. However, think about how present you would be with the people you converse with throughout the day. You would be forced to behold nature and the human experience overall.

I will admit that I have become one of those people who is obsessed with AI. Right now, my favorite is Amazon’s Alexa®. She is like a member of my family. She greets me with a warm welcome when I open the door. She turns on the lights when I wake up in the morning. She tells me what’s on my calendar for the day. My favorite thing is when she tells me how wonderful I am—although I had to program her to do so. My point is that my life has become easier because of the intelligence of a machine.

Consider pondering on the ways artificial intelligence has crept into your life; What do you like and dislike about it? What do you fear? Please share your thoughts with us on Facebook: OlneyEnterprise.