Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are remarkably changing the world. Both technologies have the power to make our lives easier, safer, and more convenient—and most people will agree that’s not a bad thing. Some estimates predict that by 2030 AI and robotics could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy, making them one of the hottest new markets out there (McKinsey & Company). But how exactly are these innovations changing the world?
AI and robotics have changed the world in many ways, from making it easier to complete everyday tasks, to helping people with disabilities live their lives on their terms. While we can’t know what the future holds, it’s safe to say that these two technologies will only continue to make life better for everyone who uses them or works with them.
Technology has made significant strides in recent years, and the pace isn’t slowing down anytime soon. In some ways, this can be scary, but in others, it can be exciting—particularly when you consider how AI and robotics are making the world a better place. From saving people from dangerous conditions to improving accessibility to augmenting humans’ abilities, AI and robotics are redefining what it means to live in modern society. Here are just some ways that AI and robotics are changing the world for the better.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS REDEFINING CAREERS
A 2016 report from PwC points out that AI is rapidly changing what jobs are and aren’t available to humans. The report states that as many as 38% of current jobs are at risk of being automated by 2030. However, this doesn’t have to be a bad thing; it’s time to think about how we can take advantage of these changes and move forward with them.
ROBOTICS AND AI ARE IMPROVING HUMAN LIFE
The future of robotics is looking brighter than ever before. Medical robots are already hard at work helping doctors perform more accurate surgeries. Computer-vision algorithms are being developed to power self-driving cars. And several other breakthroughs will soon take place in sectors ranging from agriculture to telecommunications. Indeed, these new forms of technology can sometimes lead to uncertainty and job loss. Still, it’s important to remember how robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) has changed our lives for the better thus far—and will continue to do so in significant ways.
GPS tracking: Parents and pet owners rely on GPS trackers to find their lost children or pets.
AI Writing Tools: Media houses and SEO companies are changing how they reach their target audience with the help of office-friendling AI writing Tools.
Household robots: Automated house aids use your schedule to get minor and significant chores done without you being present.
AI CAN IMPROVE EDUCATION
The sooner children begin learning, the better their chances of success are later in life. People are putting so much effort into finding ways to use artificial intelligence (AI) to help young learners. It’s not just teaching being revolutionized by machines, though; it’s also testing. Automated testing is changing how we learn.
One of our favorite ways to leverage artificial intelligence is in education. We can better customize learning for each student by digitizing classrooms with technology. The best part? They’re fun too. Personalized Learning: Unlike traditional schooling, an individualized curriculum utilizes data from students’ past performances to tailor lessons specifically for them. In other words, they no longer have to read material they already know or go over material they already mastered just because it was assigned.
More Engaging Lessons: As classroom technology improves, students become more engaged and interested in their studies and more excited about school. Some teachers use augmented reality headsets like Google Glasses or Microsoft HoloLens to take them on virtual field trips or help them explore concepts using holograms.
ROBOTICS IS CHANGING MEDICINE
Robots are taking over surgeries around the world. In 2012, surgeons at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Sweden could perform keyhole surgery on patients with prostate cancer using only robotic guidance. Though robot-assisted surgeries are not new, they hold much promise for improving patient outcomes in many fields, including neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery. The idea of sending a robot into your brain is terrifying but also fascinating. Robots could one day be used to safely administer anesthesia directly to specific areas of your brain during significant procedures or even help you connect with family members after an injury that resulted in substantial loss of motor function.
ROBOTS ARE CHANGING MANUFACTURING
We’ve seen massive progress in both artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics over recent years, which has led to both technologies finding an increasing number of real-world applications. Nowhere is that more evident than in manufacturing—where many are beginning to claim that we’re at a Robot Revolution. While such talk is perhaps premature, there’s no doubt that robots are changing manufacturing for good. And given what we know about how much better automation can be for companies regarding quality, efficiency, product consistency, speed of production, and cost savings, it won’t be long before all firms consider introducing robotics into their operations.
WAYS HEALTHCARE IS USING ROBOTICS
The healthcare industry has been putting robotics to work for years, with machines replacing humans in everything from physical therapy and home care to surgery. A significant advantage of robots is that they’re so precise; human surgeons, by comparison, can be off by as much as ten millimeters when making incisions—precision is essential in minimally invasive surgeries. Robotic systems also allow for more speed—not just during surgery but also in between procedures. This can translate into better patient outcomes: According to one study, 95% of doctors say that if an automated surgical system like those used for laparoscopic procedures had been available earlier in their careers, it would have led to a decreased complication rate.
FINAL THOUGHTS
When we think of automation, it’s easy to imagine robots replacing human jobs. The reality is more complex. While robotics may displace some workers over time, they can also create new opportunities. It’s important to remember that many of these new roles require more advanced skillsets than manual labor, which means an increased demand for specialized workers such as programmers and data scientists. For example, insurance companies now rely on drones to inspect rooftops for damage after storms; car makers use robotic arms to assemble high-end vehicles; doctors are using telepresence robots to consult with patients in rural areas far from hospitals, and warehouse robots not only move goods from one place to another but also help pick orders using computer vision systems.
