Thanks in no small part to the movies and certain sections of the media, Artificial intelligence (AI) has, in both a positive and negative way, really captured our imaginations.
What is clear is that AI will have a significant impact across all our lives. AI will become increasingly visible in the home and workplace. It is now part of our consciousness and machines with intelligence such as Alexa and Cortana are now becoming part of the furniture of our homes.
However, there are just the first steps on our AI journey. The rate and speed of development is incredible with machines. Just like humans they will become specialists in tasks.
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You only need to look at how Cortana develops an understanding of the user to anticipate needs whilst Alexa can use algorithms to predict how you’d like the thermostat to be set in your home.
People’s own behaviour will enable them to learn faster and become smarter. AI will soon be able to understand our needs and respond proactively, offering the ability to repeat actions consistently and quickly. It’s in these areas that AI will start to change the way we drive.
Tomorrow’s connected car will generate huge quantities of data; estimates suggest up to 25GB a day could be sent from a car every day. AI can sift through these massive amounts of data – crucially data that drivers typically don’t have access to or could not access without being distracted – and help to take stressful actions away from everyday life for drivers.
AI could well optimise the driving experience with an emphasis on safety, convenience and comfort. Imagine a car that takes itself to the fuel station when it’s running low on fuel or a car that recognises your voice and adapts its actions because it knows who you are. For example, you say ‘take me to the office’ and it will take you to your office and not your partner’s. You’ll get your desired outcome quicker and with less effort.
AI will assist the car in providing context; it will respond to the weather, where you are or at your destination, and drive accordingly. It can decide to take a different route to your destination and let the people you are meeting there, know that you’ll be a few minutes late. Or recognising you are out of milk, take you to the shop to pick up some on the way home (knowing not to do this on the way to work!).
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Providing context makes interaction with AI more meaningful, more real. It will also become more personal too. With AI, the car can remember your choices and use that knowledge to deal with similar situations and provide recommendations. Crucially, AI will continue to learn and still give you the option to change your mind.
Now, consumers’ perceptions are perhaps more science fiction, than science fact, but that will change rapidly. Expect that as AI makes driving easier and less stressful, removing the pain points, much of the paranoia will disappear and AI will become an integral part of everyday driving.
Sourced by Andrew Till, VP, Technology, Partnerships & New Solutions, HARMAN Connected Services
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