Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly expanding field, and there are many ways it can be used to enhance business processes and make decisions. However, it is important for developers to understand the complexities of AI development to make the most of the technology.
In the early stages of AI development, it was not uncommon for researchers to exaggerate its capabilities and power. This overstatement led to public skepticism and delays in funding for research. In the 1950s through 1960s, researchers made significant strides in the field with accomplishments such as the first computer to play checkers independently and a chess machine that beat a world champion.
Currently, AI is being used to improve efficiency and effectiveness across industries, including manufacturing, risk management, marketing and sales, product and service development, strategy and corporate finance. The ability to identify patterns among mounds of data allows AI systems to spot errors or anomalies that humans might miss, such as incorrect pricing or shipping details. It can also accelerate medical diagnoses, drug discovery and energy solutions. It can also improve customer experience through user personalization and chatbots, as well as reduce supply chain costs by predicting demand or optimizing inventory levels.
Despite its potential, AI is still an emerging field that faces various operational risks. These include model drift, bias and a breakdown in governance structure, which can lead to security vulnerabilities that threat actors could exploit. In addition, organizations must ensure they are addressing privacy concerns with AI models that may contain personal information and be ready to adapt their systems as the regulatory landscape changes.