AI.SCEPTIC(NO-LONGER)

As a technologist and realist, I find myself in a continual mind “tug-o-war”.? We are bombarded daily with technologies that, according to the creator, will change the world as we know it.? The reality is though, only a small percentage of them will. So where does AI (Artificial Intelligence) fit?

The acronym AI is plastered across every billboard, bus station, train and taxi across the world.? Companies with a varied pedigrees promise automation, simplification and efficiencies in almost every industry.? But is it real?? Are we looking down the barrel of a forever different world or will AI “fizzle out”?

If you asked me this question 12 months ago, I probably would have given you a conservative answer, something like – “there will be some advancements across most industry verticals.?? As far as monumental change though, the human race will still plead for social and human-to-human connection,? thus, AI will at some stage, be DENIED ENTRY by us mere mortals. “

Today.? I have a different opinion.? I am all in!? What changed my opinion? Well here are two key reasons my 'conservatism.ai' is now in the bin:

1) Great Minds think Afar:? Two weeks ago, our Chief Technology Officer and Chief AI Officer John Roese delivered the keynote at the Dell Technologies Forum in Sydney.? Now, if anyone has had the pleasure of hearing John speak you would know he is one of the industry’s best minds.? John broke down the history of AI, the importance of data, the need for an Open Ecosystem and importantly what the process is to start on your own journey.? He provided a great analogy of how the Internal Combustion Engine fundamentally changed not just one industry, but a web of interconnecting elements of human life – just like AI will.

Three quotes from John and his precise explanation of each of them now exist in my ever-expanding digital notepad.? They made a profound impact in my view of the future of AI:

• “AI will create the single biggest advantage for any company and be fundamental in driving human progress”
• “AI is not optional, you cannot sit on the sidelines to wait and see what happens, if you do, you will be left behind”
• “The first steps in your AI journey is knowing where to focus”

2) To truly believe in technology, you must experience its capabilities firsthand – This week I had the pleasure of joining a tour of the new Dell Technologies Tokyo AI Lab and I was amazed!? The showcase is broken into industry – Retail, Healthcare, Manufacturing and Smart Cities.? Our tour started with some introductions from Dell’s own digital assistant and then went on a circular journey around each of the industry stations where no less than 4 real life examples of AI in action were not just presented on screen but demonstrated live, in the room!?

The team at the Dell Technologies EBC presented AI assisted retail stocking and fraud detection, healthcare analysis through facial recognition and movement, automated factory line quality control and smart city safety monitoring.? Seeing this in action really helped me personally understand where each segment can focus, and what impact this will have on Humankind.

So, if you have any level of skepticism, I suggest you do two things and then let me know how you feel.

1. Listen to John Roese – his opinion and views on not just the here and now (as a CTO) but the future (as the Chief AI Officer) will help you understand the sheer extent of what is possible with AI.
2. Attend a Dell Technologies AI Lab Tour and EBC – It will blow your mind.
3. Don’t get left behind.? You don’t have time to wait on the sidelines.? Contact your Dell Technologies team and our trusted Dell Technologies Partner ecosystem and ask them to show you how we can help your journey through our technology, ecosystem and services.