Artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are arguably the most transformative technologies available currently. Both have the potential to completely disrupt industries and organisations, and indeed, nations. Their inherent power means organisations across the board need to understand the vast potential the fast-evolving field holds and consider the implications for digital transformation.
Businesses are experimenting with advanced analytics tools and approaches, as seen by the increased interest in unsupervised learning and reinforcement learning. Decision assistance, interactive games, and real-time retail recommendation engines are just a few of the many use cases that these tools and techniques open up for firms to experiment with and benefit from.
AI will not only contribute to the education sector but also the health sector. AI technology is rapidly expanding into other healthcare areas, including early detection of diseases, treatment and research. In the coming year, technology will continue to advance and play a larger role, especially as the world continues to be affected by the pandemic.
Data aggregation, updating patient charts, analysing tests and images to offer possible diagnoses, and other applications of AI technology promise to be useful. In a supportive position, the use of AI in health reduces physician workloads, allowing them to spend more time with patients and on actual patient care.
New Zealand has a robust and well-planned AI Strategy and a thriving AI ecosystem. The AI Forum brings together New Zealand’s artificial intelligence community, working together to harness the power of AI technologies to enable a prosperous, inclusive and thriving future in New Zealand. It advances New Zealand’s AI ecosystem through connections, advocacy, growing talent and collaboration.
Over the years, AI and machine learning have witnessed significant development and have now become smarter than before. In the wake of the pandemic, companies that relied on on-site data centre support staff soon realised they had limited or no visibility into their data centre operations. With a cloud-based, next-generation management platform, IT support staff can now manage sites remotely and more importantly, in a much safer manner. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is keen that organisations future-proof AI systems for effective compliance and advocate for more robust regulation collaboration.
AI and machine learning will underpin the next generation of what we think of now as data centre infrastructure management. Disruptive technologies like these will integrate people and processes resulting in a true digital data centre. As digital transformation progresses, we will see data centre evolve based on real-world experience and are driven by demand for ever-higher levels of profitability.
According to an article by OpenGov Asia, Machine Learning uses algorithms to explore huge data sets and create models that provide answers or outcomes mirroring human decision-making. Models can be trained to recognise patterns, facial expressions, and spoken words. They can also detect anomalies like credit card fraud. It uses artificial neural networks – computer software styled on the human brain – to learn how to make predictions in particular areas through deep learning. The model makes its predictions then tests these against real-world results and is trained by humans to recognise what went wrong in a quest to create a more accurate model.
Recently, a state-of-the-art purpose-built Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Development Laboratory was opened on the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) Hawke’s Bay Campus in Taradale which will allow students to use advanced technology. The new lab includes a deep-learning server for machine vision and learning, HTC Vive Pro wireless virtual reality, a fume-extraction required by 3D printers, and a workspace that incorporates electrical supplies and bench-space for electronic fabrication and soldering, among other things.
In line with NZ national strategies, a cloud conference on Artificial Intelligence is planned for the end of this month. Developers, engineers and decision-makers in the AI field will showcase cutting-edge technology trends in artificial intelligence and machine learning, and in-depth discussions on the development, future prospects and blueprints for AI to encourage and accelerate innovation.
By all means, the implementation of AI and ML would be a success for all sectors nationwide. While one can never assume what the future holds, as technology advances, the world will undoubtedly become more reliant on it.