INFRASTRUCTURE
Artificial Intelligence: The flavouring of technology
by Rian Van Jaarsveld: Director: Sales and Operations at LOR Technologies.
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become the buzzword of the decade, evoking images of sentient robots, futuristic technologies, and revolutionary innovations. But if we peel back the layers, much of what is marketed as "AI" today is little more than advanced automation, a series of programmed routines and processes that, while impressive, don't possess the true intelligence that the term "AI" implies. This misrepresentation is not just misleading - it's dangerous for how we understand and interact with technology.
Consider this analogy: When you see "artificial flavouring" or "artificial colouring" on the label of your food or drinks, do you feel reassured? Probably not. Most of us instinctively distrust anything labelled as "artificial" in our consumables. We recognise that these artificial additives are a far cry from the real thing - they're engineered to mimic natural flavours and colours but lack the authenticity and nutritional value of the original. The word "artificial" here serves as a red flag, signalling something that's been synthetically produced, often to cut corners or lower costs.
So why, then, are we so quick to trust the word "artificial" when it comes to our technology solutions? Businesses around the world have jumped on the AI bandwagon, slapping the buzzword onto their products and services to align themselves with the latest trend. But in many cases, what they're selling isn't AI in the true sense of the word - it's just good old-fashioned automation.
Automation has been a cornerstone of technological advancement for decades. It streamlines processes, reduces human error, and increases efficiency. However, automation operates within predefined parameters; it follows a set of rules and instructions laid out by human programmers. There’s no learning, no adapting, no understanding - just executing tasks as directed.
True AI, on the other hand, involves systems that can learn, adapt, and make decisions based on data inputs, evolving over time to improve their performance. It’s not just about following instructions; it’s about interpreting data, recognising patterns, and making informed decisions - often in ways that humans may not have anticipated.
The problem arises when businesses conflate these two very different concepts. By labelling sophisticated automation as AI, they not only dilute the meaning of AI but also set unrealistic expectations for what their technology can do. This misrepresentation can lead to a host of issues - from overpromised and underdelivered products to a general misunderstanding of AI’s capabilities and limitations.
The consequences extend beyond just marketing hype. When businesses and consumers alike believe that they are interacting with AI when in reality they are dealing with enhanced automation, they may be lulled into a false sense of security or overestimate the technology’s capabilities. This can lead to poor decision-making, misplaced trust, and even potential security vulnerabilities.
It’s essential to scrutinise the claims made by companies touting their AI prowess. Ask the tough questions: What does this AI actually do? How does it learn and adapt? Is it truly making decisions, or is it merely following a set of predefined instructions? Just as you wouldn’t accept artificial flavouring as a substitute for real ingredients in your food, you shouldn’t accept the term AI without understanding what it really means in the context of the technology being offered.
While automation is a powerful tool that has driven significant advancements in many industries, it’s crucial not to confuse it with true artificial intelligence. Businesses need to be honest about what their technology can do and resist the temptation to use AI as a buzzword to ride the wave of current trends. Likewise, consumers and other stakeholders must remain vigilant, not taking the term "artificial" at face value - whether it’s in their food or their technology.
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LOR Technologies is a technology provider for the ecommerce market with LIVE ONLINE RETAIL as their flagship engagement tool.