We can often get very excited about advances in artificial intelligence and how it will shape the future. However, as those interested in AI know, the technology is already integrated into so many of our daily transactions that it is already transforming the way we work, rest and play.
For decades, the media has seized on big tech stories, including human-like robots that will do all the basic household chores for us. In 1966, we discovered Mabel the robot maidwhich was going to perform all tasks by 1976. Even though it hasn’t been a reality, AI has seamlessly integrated itself into all of our lives, and while there may not be From Mables, many of us have assistants called Alexa, Siri, and Cortana.
These robots may not be able to do the ironing for us, but they can be used to turn the lights on and off, program the oven, or control our heating systems when we’re not around. Rather than taking on all the physical labor, they help us in the background and are integrated into our homes. According to today’s experts, by 2033, robots will perform almost 40% of our household chores. This seems somewhat similar to the 1966 claims, but is supported by data from the Ochanomizu in Japan and the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. 65 AI experts were asked to predict which everyday tasks will be automated in the next five to ten years.
THE a study looked into the question “What kind of future do we imagine for unpaid work? If robots take our jobs, will they at least take out the trash for us too? It is suggested that time spent on household chores will decrease by 46% over the next decade. However, the most important task that is likely to become increasingly automated is shopping. Experts predict that by 2033, almost 60% of our grocery shopping will be done using AI. However, machines are unlikely to be trusted with responsibilities such as caring for the elderly or children. Even if AI had the technical capacity to undertake these tasks, experts in the studies I think there would be acceptability problems to delegate childcare to machines due to potential impacts on child development and privacy implications.
So, if AI isn’t looking after our children or doing the ironing, what tasks is it doing? Given the size of the market, this sector represents a significant part of the global economy. The most recent statistics predict that it will be worth $184.00 billion in 2024. However, this is only a small amount compared to the forecast for 2030. The market is expected to grow by almost 29% and will be worth an amount astonishing. $826 billion by the end of the decade.
Here are some areas where AI is becoming an integral part of our lives, so much so that we almost forget how we used to function.
We open our phones with facial IDs. It is AI that enables this functionality. Using biometrics, the device can see you in 3D and capture images of your face using 30,000 invisible infrared dots. Then, using machine learning algorithms, it compares the scan of your face with what it has stored in the file to determine whether it’s you or an intruder trying to access your phone . Apple says the chance of cheating on your FaceID is one in a million
Once we open our phones, we can choose to go to many places. Some people go to check social media or keep up to date with the news. Other people use their phones for entertainment, such as playing online games, or visiting an online casino. AI and algorithms are an integral part of how these sites operate, with AI involved in everything from customer service to verifying payments and disbursing winnings. Players get a personalized experience as the AI learns which games they like to play, meaning players can choose from the newest games offered. However, rather than going through all the latest releases, the system can learn from what they’ve played before and offer them something similar to play next.
The AI also updates social media feeds. What a user sees is personalized because the algorithm has learned which posts you react to based on your history. It makes friend suggestions and topical messages. The next step for AI is to better recognize, filter misinformation and prevent cyberbullying. Getting rid of fake news is even more crucial as 2024 is a global general election year.
We use spell checking and other tools like Grammarly when we write on our computers and phones, whether to send emails, messages, or reports. These help us create error-free messages using natural language processing and suggestions. More AI is involved when we send and receive messages with spam filters, blocking certain emails and sending them to our spam boxes. Additionally, antivirus software uses machine learning to protect our email accounts and computers.
While these examples are all happening behind the scenes, one of the most notable changes in recent years is our use of digital voice assistants. Whether we want to get directions or know the weather, Siri, Alexa, Google Home and Cortana accompany us wherever we go. They have become indispensable for many people who use them as a co-pilot when driving and as a general source of endless information around the house. These assistants use AI-driven processors and natural language generators to answer any questions. They are increasingly programmed to give “human” responses and can sometimes even appear offended.
Since 1966, we have dreamed of robots doing housework, and even if it is not a reality, our homes are becoming more and more “smart”. We have thermostats that allow us to control the heating from our phones and refrigerators that can create shopping lists based on what is no longer in the fridge. They can also recommend what you’d like to buy as a side dish based on what’s in your fridge, like wine or condiments.
There’s still no sign of Mabel, but maybe she’ll make an appearance one of these days.
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