Surging ahead with AI: Insights for 2024 and beyond
Bowling Green, Ky. (December 12, 2024) – Artificial intelligence (AI) in 2024 is defined less by breakthroughs and novelty and more by the widespread integration of AI tools into everyday life and work.
Many of us are affected by AI daily, often without realizing it. For example, when we use navigation tools in our cars to find our way, the routing process is influenced by AI, which helps us avoid traffic and arrive on time. Similarly, when we ask a question on a retailer's website, we may receive a quick response from a customer service agent who is not a real person but rather an AI-powered chatbot.
While some of these services have been around for a while, advancements and the deployment of AI technology surged in 2024. Many online tools and services we rely on now use AI to improve efficiency and deliver better results. Recently, Samsung released its new Live Translate tool, which enables real-time voice-driven translation. And if you're a Facebook user, you have probably noticed Meta AI when searching the app.
The pervasiveness of AI
AI impacted you if you've been to a brick-and-mortar version of most major national retailers this year. Retailers are leveraging data and AI to determine when to put the Christmas decorations out, what music to play, where to put the candy bars, and what days of the week products are in the most significant demand. Have you ever wondered why a particularly high-demand item is in the back corner, farthest away from the door? AI might have had its hand in that.
For anyone who used productivity software this year, you don't have to look far to see the pervasiveness of AI. Microsoft CoPilot or Google Gemini, anyone? Even if you try not to use these tools, they are everywhere online. Do you need to write a document for work, create a report, or design a table or chart? How about creating a template for a presentation? A nearly limitless number of AI-driven tools and applications are available — and often giving you prompts to use them — to make your work easier.
AI isn't limited to the office environment either; it's deployed in logistics and manufacturing. AI is helping ensure widget parts make it to where they belong on time. It analyzes production against a wide range of variables and suggests changes to materials and processes. Want to make sure that maintenance of a piece of machinery is done when it needs to be? AI covers that by monitoring sensors, analyzing the data, and dispatching personnel when needed.
The long-term impact of AI
Volumes could be produced about AI applications that emerged in 2024, and AI could even write them. One thing is certain, however — we can’t deny the changes that are happening as a result.
We all have a role in understanding and determining the future ahead of us. What skills do we need in an AI-driven economy? What implications are there for your data? Are we all going to need new jobs? Those fundamental questions need honest discussion and answers without the aid of ChatGPT.
About the author: Wes Kerr is the Connected Nation (CN) Director of Community Solutions. He helps ensure the implementation of Technology Action Plans developed for communities through CN’s Connected Community Engagement Program and works closely with clients and stakeholders to provide solutions that will help them meet their technology goals.