Human imagination is the limit to AI’s potential

One of the biggest drivers of the ‘Industry 4.0’ revolution will be the widespread application of artificial intelligence (AI). A PwC report predicted that AI could add $16tr to the global economy by 2030, with the Middle East accounting for $320bn of that figure.

AI in the UAE

We already see AI being applied in multiple sectors here in the UAE. Abu Dhabi Civil Defense General Authority recently used a firefighting Robot to control a blaze. In Dubai, AI is being introduced to monitor the behavior of taxi drivers and ensure the driver and passengers wear face masks. And just this month, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medical Research Institute opened its doors, with a remit to accelerate the use of AI to monitor new diseases and develop plans to contain outbreaks. This follows the successful use of AI modelling to forecast the spread of COVID-19, which has helped the health authorities formulate a response to the pandemic.

AI tools are also impacting the workplace in our post-COVID-19 world. This was demonstrated by the expansion of HE Omar Sultan Al Olama’s role during the recent Cabinet reshuffle to Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications. This move demonstrates the importance that the UAE is placing on the role of advanced technologies in allowing businesses to work more efficiently in the coming years. Also, AI will be vital to mining increased volumes of data in order to provide smarter and more intuitive services that allow for more flexible practices.

Within Bee’ah and the Environmental Sector

As a sustainability pioneer, Bee’ah has been looking to the role that AI can play in the environmental sector. In our own operations, we have employed the AI-powered WastePro+ platform to increase the efficiencies and transparency across the entire waste management process. At our new Headquarters, there are hundreds of AI use cases for this office of the future, from predictive facilities maintenance and a smart concierge to the use of Digital Twin, a 3D representation of all mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. 

We must look further afield at potential uses for AI and Internet of Things (IoT) across all environmental sectors. AI can generate real-time data on the activities of water and energy consumption, allowing for an accurate overview on resource usage to improve the sustainability of buildings or whole cities. 

Water quality can be improved by monitoring pollution levels in real-time using AI and IoT to determine if any illegal activities are hampering the water quality. Endangered animal species can also be tracked through AI, for the quick identification of any threats to their habitats.

Advanced systems can also identify sources of air pollution or pollutant hotspots, allowing corrective measures to be applied quickly and effectively. IoT and AI can also be utilized to reduce harmful carbon emissions from transportation in the first place. Traffic congestion is one of the common issues that impact the quality of life for people in urban centers, and this is where autonomous or electric vehicles and smart traffic management can offer solutions. 

The Way Forward

These are just a few of the many innovations that will make our workplaces, cities and the environment more efficient and sustainable. The advent of 5G networks will only speed up this process, as our networks become faster and able to process much more data. 

As we face the global challenge of rebuilding post-COVID, we must understand and embrace the range of technologies as an enabler to help us meet current and future challenges. The only limitation for AI-fueled transformations across society, industries and the economy would be the lack of human imagination. 

I look forward to sharing more of my knowledge on the implications of Ai for business in a book to be published shortly that i co authored with my friend Sudhi Sinha, "Reimagining Business with Ai".