Robotics and artificial intelligence are changing the way the world is undertaking its activities. All these changes are directed at aiding human beings in their day-to-day activities and making their lives better. AI and robotics have shaped the whole processes for industry 4.0 and fruits are boldly seen by the skyrocketed economy and steep competition. Robotics does exist with the presence of Artificial Intelligence, without it, it is no longer robotics but sophisticated machines running under instructions.
The evolution of AI and robotics
For us to understand the tremendous advancements in the field of AI and robotics, we have to look back and understand where it all started and the forces behind the introduction of this magnificent field. Counting the sprints of AI, there has been an enormous optimism and pessimism.
There were cybernetics and neural networks before the birth of Artificial Intelligence and this helped in solving basic algebra and geometric problems. It did understand and speak English which satisfied both scientists and the public. AI has faced blocks when the development did not match the enormous expectations which caused fund withdrawals. Expert systems were introduced that were used to solve problems within specific domains using the expert knowledge. Speech recognition has been key in AI through the empowerment of neural networks and connections. In the present sprint of AI and Robotics, we have witnessed a big data revolution with newly engaged in areas such as deep learning which have been reinforced by the booming of the web internet.
Robotics on the other hand was before then heard from fictitious movies like Terminator, artificial men and smart computers were developed in fiction. Robotics has been employed largely in production. Robots have been used in hazardous environments like chemical plants also in car manufacturing. The first robot car was released in 1985 which marked the actualization of robotics.
AI has been categorized as weak and strong AI. Weak AI is the one that is designed to clone an exact behavior as accurately as possible, this kind of AI performs very well on the subject trained on. They lack generalization and most present AI and robotics are in this stage of AI which rely on machine learning, pattern recognition, data mining or natural language.
The Future of AI and robotics
Just as sophisticated machines increase and populate our world, robots are intended to be self-sufficient and eliminate that state of relying on the programs written to them. With advancement in artificial intelligent robots will learn for themselves and make decisions out of self-reliance. In short, the future will hold robotic advancements with the capabilities of a ‘subconscious mind’ for the robots. From a business perspective, we will encounter robots that not only report the findings based on the instructions given, but act on the findings based on the learnings gathered over time. We look forward to robots with common sense, which can enable them to act on things beyond their acquired knowledge.
We expect the tremendous growth in strong AI that has consciousness and is able to think and reason like a human being. Apart from assimilating information, we expect the advanced robotics and AI to modify its on functioning with no human interventions. In the case of a robot, it should be able to reprogram itself to perform the general intelligent tasks. This depends mostly on the brain simulation which still faces a lot of criticism. The future needs AI that is truly intelligent, not just an extension of automation, an AI that learns like we do humans should be able to learn independently and more widely.
Ai & Robotics Case study
1. Tesla Model 3 production
Being a leader in the electric vehicles, tesla relies highly on robots in automating their production. The company also is relying on the AI for their thinking algorithm that will foster the autopilot for autonomous vehicles.
2. Intelligent Robotics Process automation
Implemented at Hollard, a leading insurance company in South Africa. Developed by LarcAI which develops solutions to complex customer centric solution objectives. Hollard added interactive robotic technology into their end-to-end processes. The robot could do the following;
- Access the email and initialize engagement
- Interpret the content and attachments of the email
- Interpret attachment instructions
- Classify and file the documentation
- Identify workflow and routing
- Interact with users at the same time creating instructions
- Provide termination with supportive documentation.
Through this robot, there has been a tremendous reduction in cost and customer satisfaction has increased drastically.
Ai & Robotics Industry Insights
AI and robotics can aid in healthcare industry the most by administering in surgery, rehabilitation efforts and providing companion to the patients. It should be noted that AI and robotics act as an aid and is not there to replace humans thus rendering joblessness.
AI and robotics are also powering the Art industry, with swiftly molded pictures drawn and painted by robots with fictitious imaginations. Keep in mind the portrait of ‘Edmond de Belamy’ which sold at $432, 000.
Conclusion
It is evident that the future is in AI and robotics. Those industries that are capitalizing on this field are either benefiting or yet to benefit large. With a fast growing economy, firms or businesses are on the verge of extinction if they do not embrace this technology.
Recommendations for 2020
- Governments should invest in research institutes based on AI and robotics
- Proper education should be given around AI to counter negative perceptions about strong AI.