Read the Original article by Michelle Eld:
The article outlines key artificial intelligence (AI) trends anticipated to shape 2021 in the wake of the transformative impacts of 2020, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As remote work and social distancing solidified, AI technologies are expected to address societal and operational shifts, positioning 2021 as a pivotal year for AI-driven innovation. Here are the main trends:
- Automated Detection and Prevention: Enhanced drone technology will be used for more than surveillance or delivery. Equipped with computer vision, drones will monitor social distancing and even detect COVID-19 symptoms, such as high body temperatures, to assist public health authorities in tracking potential virus spread.
- Behavioral Transformation Predictions: The pandemic accelerated digital retail, with companies like Amazon seeing significant growth. AI tools now help businesses better understand and adapt to shifting consumer behavior, allowing even small- and medium-sized enterprises to leverage behavioral analytics and personalization to stay competitive.
- Future Outbreak Predictions: AI-assisted epidemiology is on the rise, aiming to prevent future pandemics by predicting potential viral outbreaks. Leveraging past research, AI will enhance predictive capabilities, improving public health responses to potential health threats.
- AI-Powered Chips: The need for fast processors has increased due to demanding AI applications in areas like natural language processing and machine learning. AI-enabled chips outperform traditional CPUs by processing complex data faster and with greater efficiency, allowing tasks that previously required significant time to complete in seconds. The AI chip industry is projected to grow substantially by 2025.
- Decision Making and Forecasting: With COVID-19’s financial impact estimated in the trillions, AI-driven forecasting and decision-making tools are becoming critical across industries. These tools enable predictive accuracy for applications ranging from sales and fraud detection to demand planning and workforce optimization.
Investments in AI research and applications are expected to grow as companies seek stability and innovation to navigate the post-pandemic future, marking a transformative period for AI advancements across various sectors.
