A continuation of an overview by the Pitch Avatar team that sheds light on the level of integration of AI-powered tools in the near future.
Note: In this text, the term “artificial intelligence” is used in its broadest sense. It refers to engineering and software solutions designed for activities traditionally associated with human intelligence. In other words, these are programs and robots that can perform physical and intellectual tasks previously manageable only by humans. Looking ahead, it involves solving problems that surpass human cognitive abilities.
The rapid development of AI-based solutions often sparks the imagination of techno-optimists, dreaming of a fantastical future where AI not only solves most of humanity’s problems but also drives unprecedented vertical progress. We don’t see anything wrong with such optimism – in fact, we share it. However, when it comes to forecasting practical applications, it’s best to keep both feet firmly on the ground. Let’s explore the areas where AI is expected to play a truly significant role in the next 3-5 years, based on the trends we observe today.
Robotics
The widespread adoption of robots powered by artificial intelligence is perhaps the most popular vision of the future in science fiction. This future is steadily becoming reality. But what fundamentally sets AI robots apart from most machines used today?
- AI robots can learn and, potentially, self-learn.
- AI robots can analyze specific situations and devise optimal solutions for tasks.
- AI robots can understand and execute commands given in free-form text or speech.
Future AI robots will fall into two major categories.
- Specialized robots
These are the “professionals” designed to handle a relatively narrow range of tasks. The majority of these robots will be deployed in industrial settings, freeing humans from monotonous, dull, health-damaging, or dangerous work.
- Universal multitasking service robots
As the name suggests, these robots will serve in various capacities – customer service, household chores, and roles as support staff in offices, factories, hospitals, and other public spaces. We predict that future service robot models will be as diverse as car models today.
It’s worth noting that progress in developing universal multitasking service AI robots is slower compared to their specialized counterparts. However, some prototypes of these machines have moved beyond the experimental stage and are beginning to perform real-world tasks.
Examples of existing models and concepts: Figure, Aeo, Kuka, Optimus, Fanuc, Universal Robots, Yaskawa.
Transportation
In transportation, AI focuses on two main objectives:
- Optimizing logistics processes
Ensuring the fastest, most efficient, and energy-saving movement of people and goods.
- Minimizing accidents and incidents
The solution to these challenges is straightforward: replace human operators with artificial intelligence. After all, human error is the leading cause of accidents and tragedies. AI won’t get distracted during aircraft maintenance, won’t drive under the influence, and will certainly detect an iceberg from a safe distance.
But this isn’t solely about the mass adoption of autonomous vehicles equipped with AI autopilots. AI dispatchers and coordinators will also play vital roles in the transportation system of the future.
It’s important to note that a complete replacement of humans in the transportation sector is not expected in the near term, despite being the ultimate goal of developers. This is due to both conservatism and the fact that the necessary level of AI hasn’t yet been achieved. For now, AI systems will predominantly act as “co-pilots,” “navigators,” and “flight engineers,” taking on roles such as:
- Route planning
- Continuous monitoring of vehicle condition and environmental factors (road, sea, air)
- Correcting minor human errors
- Emergency intervention in critical situations
Over time, AI autopilots, dispatchers, coordinators, and fully autonomous vehicles will become increasingly advanced and widely adopted.
Examples of existing solutions: SkyGrid, Airbus AI, V7, Tesla Autopilot, Sea Machines, 3SC Dispatch AI, Waymo, Kongsberg Yara Birkeland.
To be continued…
Wishing everyone success, prosperity, and high incomes!
