Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we live, work, travel, and do business in the 21st century. AI is the ability of machines to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as perception, reasoning, learning, decision making, and problem solving. AI can help industries improve their productivity, efficiency, quality, safety, and sustainability by automating processes, optimizing operations, enhancing products and services, and creating new value propositions.
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| Industrial Transformation with Artificial Intelligence |
In this article, we will explore how AI is changing nine industries: manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, retail, finance, education, entertainment, agriculture, and energy.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing is one of the most impacted industries by AI. AI can help manufacturers achieve Industry 4.0³, the realization of the digital transformation of the field that delivers real-time decision making, enhanced productivity, flexibility and agility. Industry 4.0 technologies include Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing and analytics, and AI and machine learning.
AI can help manufacturers collect and analyze data from sensors on the factory floor to ensure real-time visibility of assets and perform predictive maintenance to minimize downtime. AI can also help manufacturers automate quality control by using visual insights to detect errors and defects. AI can also help manufacturers optimize production processes by using self-learning algorithms to adjust parameters and settings. AI can also help manufacturers design and develop new products and services by using generative design and simulation tools.
Some examples of AI applications in manufacturing are:
AspenTech, a provider of software solutions for the process industries, uses AI to help its customers optimize their operations and achieve their sustainability goals. AspenTech's Industrial AI solutions combine domain expertise, advanced analytics, and automation to enable customers to run their plants safer, greener, longer, and faster.
GE Aviation, a leading manufacturer of jet engines and components for commercial and military aircrafts, uses AI to monitor the health and performance of its engines and predict maintenance needs. GE Aviation's Digital Solutions team uses machine learning models to analyze data from sensors on the engines and provide actionable insights to customers and service teams.
BMW, a global leader in premium automobiles and motorcycles, uses AI to enhance its product development and manufacturing processes. BMW uses computer vision to inspect parts and components for quality assurance. BMW also uses natural language processing to analyze customer feedback and preferences. BMW also uses generative design to create new concepts and prototypes.
Healthcare
Healthcare is another industry that is undergoing a major transformation with AI. AI can help healthcare providers improve diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and management of diseases and conditions. AI can also help healthcare providers reduce costs, increase access, and improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.
AI can help healthcare providers analyze medical images, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds, to detect abnormalities and diagnose diseases. AI can also help healthcare providers interpret natural language data, such as clinical notes, reports, and research papers, to extract relevant information and insights. AI can also help healthcare providers automate administrative and clinical workflows, such as scheduling appointments, billing, coding, and reporting. AI can also help healthcare providers design and develop new drugs and therapies by using generative models and simulations.
Some examples of AI applications in healthcare are:
-IBM Watson Health, a division of IBM that provides AI solutions for health and life sciences, uses AI to help its clients improve clinical decision support, drug discovery, population health management, and patient engagement. IBM Watson Health's products include Watson for Oncology, which provides evidence-based treatment recommendations for cancer patients; Watson for Genomics, which analyzes genomic data to identify potential targeted therapies; and Watson for Drug Discovery, which accelerates the identification of novel drug candidates and biomarkers.
Google Health, a team within Google that applies AI to health-related problems, uses AI to help its partners improve health outcomes and quality of care. Google Health's projects include developing algorithms to detect diabetic retinopathy from eye scans; improving breast cancer screening by reducing false positives and negatives; and creating an AI-powered dermatology assist tool that helps users identify skin conditions from images.
Babylon Health, a digital health company that provides AI-powered services for primary care, uses AI to help its users access affordable and convenient healthcare. Babylon Health's services include a chatbot that triages symptoms and provides health information; a telemedicine platform that connects users with doctors via video or voice calls; and a healthcheck tool that assesses users' health risks and provides personalized advice.
Transportation
Transportation is another industry that is being transformed by AI. AI can help transportation providers improve safety, efficiency, convenience, and sustainability by automating vehicles, optimizing routes, enhancing traffic management, and reducing emissions.
AI can help transportation providers automate vehicles by using sensors, cameras, radars, and lidars to perceive the environment and control the steering, acceleration, and braking. AI can also help transportation providers optimize routes by using historical and real-time data to predict traffic patterns and congestion levels. AI can also help transportation providers enhance traffic management by using intelligent systems to coordinate traffic signals, signs, and cameras. AI can also help transportation providers reduce emissions by using smart algorithms to monitor fuel consumption and optimize driving behavior.
Some examples of AI applications in transportation are:
Tesla, a leader in electric vehicles and self-driving technology, uses AI to power its Autopilot system, which enables its cars to steer, accelerate, brake, change lanes, and park autonomously. Tesla also uses AI to improve its battery performance and efficiency, as well as to analyze data from its fleet of vehicles to enhance its software and hardware.
Uber, a global platform for ride-hailing, delivery, and mobility services, uses AI to match drivers and riders, optimize routes and fares, predict demand and supply, and detect fraud and safety issues. Uber also uses AI to develop its self-driving vehicles, which aim to reduce human error and improve road safety.
Airbus, a leading manufacturer of commercial aircrafts and defense systems, uses AI to improve its design and production processes, as well as to enhance its customer service and maintenance operations. Airbus also uses AI to develop its urban air mobility solutions, such as autonomous drones and flying taxis.
Retail
Retail is another industry that is being transformed by AI. AI can help retailers improve customer experience, loyalty, and retention by personalizing recommendations, offers, and services. AI can also help retailers optimize inventory, pricing, and merchandising by forecasting demand, detecting trends, and adjusting strategies. AI can also help retailers automate tasks, such as checkout, delivery, and customer service.
Some examples of AI applications in retail are:
Amazon, a global leader in e-commerce and cloud computing, uses AI to power its recommendation engine, which suggests products and content based on customers' preferences and behavior. Amazon also uses AI to automate its fulfillment centers, where robots sort, pack, and ship orders. Amazon also uses AI to enable its cashierless stores, where customers can shop without scanning or paying at checkout.
Walmart, the world's largest retailer by revenue, uses AI to improve its operations and customer service. Walmart uses AI to monitor its inventory levels, track its supply chain, optimize its pricing and promotions, and prevent theft and fraud. Walmart also uses AI to enhance its online and offline shopping experience, such as by using chatbots, voice assistants, augmented reality, and smart mirrors.
Starbucks, a global leader in coffee and beverages, uses AI to personalize its customer interactions and offerings. Starbucks uses AI to analyze data from its loyalty program, mobile app, social media, and store transactions to understand customers' preferences and behavior. Starbucks also uses AI to tailor its marketing campaigns, menu items, pricing strategies, and store locations.