Technology never stops advancing, and there’ll always be something new that has the ability to impact our lives. 

However, in the distant feature, we’ll see even more massive shifts in technological innovation. And artificial intelligence will play a big role in this. The latter term covers technologies that are capable of performing human functions, such as speech recognition, decision-making, translation and problem-solving.

AI tech is already all around us. For example, if you want to find out a quick fact, you can launch a smartphone virtual assistant app like Siri. Plus, customer service and information chatbots are becoming the norm on social networking sites such as Facebook.

This tech is now going even further and competing with human intelligence. While that may conjure up theories such as the death of mankind, innovative AI systems and devices are actually capable of doing good in our daily lives. Most of this tech is still under development, but there are some great examples out there already. Let’s look at four:

• LifeTracker is one of many start-ups driving forward artificial intelligence and making it an attractive area of technology for the everyday consumer. It’s a platform that uses unique algorithms to learn about users’ mobile phone activity and routine, reminding them about any life goals or priorities at the most relevant time. If you’re looking to lose weight, then the solution could advise that you go for a run.
• AI also plays a crucial role in the world of robotics. Prowler.io, a research start-up based in Cambridge, is doing a lot of work in this area. It’s currently in the process of building self-learning, tunable and autonomous AI bots with the hope that they could be used in industries such as gaming, motoring and IoT in the future. Vishal Chatrath, co-founder and CEO of the firm, explains that AI-driven gaming is one of the areas his team is tackling at the moment. “We first intend to delve into the gaming industry in order to create and deliver an unrivalled experience for gamers, before tackling smart cities and autonomous vehicles,” he says.
• Consumer technology manufacturers are showing interest in artificial intelligence and machine learning, too. Netatmo, a French Internet of Things company, has developed a range of smart home products built on AI. Its indoor camera, called ‘Welcome’, sports an algorithm that can differentiate between the face of an owner and an intruder. The company also offers an outdoor module that can track people, animals and cars, combining AI with infrared tech.
• Wiraya is another interesting company developing AI innovation. The firm is currently designing and developing a cloud-based platform for tailored, real-time customer service dialogue. It’s being used by companies to help them engage and retain customers. Their UK director Sam Madden, believes that AI has the ability to transform communication. He says: “Twitter’s latest delve into the world of chatbots is another example of how rapidly artificial intelligence is taking over as a communication tool. AI has suffered some backlash with many imagining sci-fi movies depicting robots taking over the world, or stealing people’s jobs.” He continues: “However, AI isn’t just about chatbots and futuristic tools – it can be applied and integrated intelligently and subtly across existing communication channels, helping to create a more personalised, relevant dialogue between a brand and the customer. It’s about uncovering data that helps to understand how customers behave and react, then using that insight to adapt the message and approach.”

Artificial intelligence may be in the early stages, but it’s advancing at a rapid rate. Companies and other organisations are already working on a range of AI products, systems and solutions – with the aim of transforming the way we live and work. There’s no doubt that, over the next few years, even more powerful startups and examples of this in action will emerge.