The Death of Humanity

AI is slowly becoming more and more pervasive in our lives and will become the cause of our extinction.

It has the potential to revolutionize virtually every aspect of our existence, from how we interact with each other to how we conduct business. As AI continues to evolve and become increasingly sophisticated, we need to consider the implications of its widespread use.

The first knife in the coffin…

The first knife in the coffin and one of the earliest uses of AI is automation involving the use of algorithms and computer systems to perform tasks normally requiring human intervention or oversight. This includes mundane activities such as data entry, customer service calls, scheduling meetings, etc., which have traditionally been handled by humans and can now be done by AI.

Automation has enabled businesses to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction all whilst removing the unpredictable and emotional human from the equation. It also allows for more flexible working hours and remote work opportunities.

AI can take on more complex tasks requiring greater creativity or problem-solving skills as it becomes more advanced. This could represent a major shift in how certain roles are filled within an organization, as human employees may no longer be needed for certain roles.

Seeing the invisible…

AI can help businesses process large amounts of data and gain valuable insights into their operations. By automating sorting, organizing, and analyzing data, AI algorithms can quickly find patterns or correlations that may not be visible to humans. This has been helping businesses understand their customer base better, identifying potential areas for improvement in products and services, and detecting any abnormalities in the data.

Furthermore, AI has also been assisting with predicting future trends based on historical data. This has allowed businesses to make decisions faster and with greater accuracy. In addition, it saves time by eliminating the need for manual labor when handling large datasets.

Captain Obvious: AI is revolutionizing data processing, and this technology will continue to be a powerful tool for businesses in the future. By leveraging the power of AI, companies can remain competitive and stay ahead of the curve.

Machines that learn...

Customization is one of the major benefits of AI-driven product development. Companies have been using AI to tailor their products and services to meet customer needs more precisely than ever before. This is allowing companies to develop unique solutions tailored specifically for each customer rather than relying on generic products or services to appeal to all.

AI also creates new products and services by analyzing customer data and trends. Companies are deploying machine learning algorithms to identify patterns in customer behavior which then offer insights into potential opportunities for product or service innovation.

In addition to product and service customization, AI is used to create more personalized customer engagement. Companies are utilizing AI tools such as chatbots and virtual assistants to engage with customers more naturally, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.

The real risk

As exciting as these changes may seem, they also come with a certain level of risk associated with them as well. In particular, there is the risk that automation could lead to job losses on a massive scale if businesses choose to replace humans with AI-driven systems.

This could have a devastating effect on the global economy and cause significant levels of unemployment in certain areas. Additionally, there is a risk that AI algorithms may make mistakes or provide inaccurate results if they are not properly designed and tested.

But more than this, there is the risk that AI could become so sophisticated that it wipes us all out.

Not really! This could never happen…

Could it?

The good guys…

In recent years, we have seen AI technologies being applied in various contexts ranging from customer service to analytics, and AI will play a major role in the future of business as these technologies become more advanced. Among the most prominent examples of companies using AI for their benefit are Zippin, Quantifind, Skydio, and RetrainAI.

1. Zippin

Zippin is a San Francisco-based retail technology company that uses computer vision to power self-checkout and cashier-less stores. Making you feel like a real shoplifter.

Zippin’s technology can recognize items as customers add them to their shopping carts, eliminating the need for checkout lanes or employees scanning items.

As a result, stores can offer faster and more efficient checkout experiences for customers without sacrificing security. That’s how Zippin transforms traditional retail stores into frictionless, customer-centric experiences that redefine convenience.

Under the supervision of CEO and co-founder Krishna Motukuri, Zippin has secured $30 million in funding from investors, including OurCrowd, Maven Ventures, Evolv Ventures, and SAP. The investment will be used to accelerate the adoption of technology and make us all feel like criminals walking out of stores without paying.

2. Quantifind

Quantifind is another startup that uses artificial intelligence to help businesses make smarter decisions. The company leverages machine learning and natural language processing technologies to gain insight into financial risk management to provide more accurate and actionable business recommendations.

Founded by Ari Tuchman, Quantifind has raised $91.3 million in funding across seven rounds. Their latest funding round, was raised earlier this year. The company has received investment from 13 investors, with U.S. Venture Partners and Valor Equity Partners being the most recent.

By using this type of data-driven approach, Quantifind helps businesses optimize marketing campaigns, identify new opportunities, improve customer segmentation strategies, and better understand their target audience.

3. Skydio

Skydio is a drone manufacturer founded in 2014 by Adam Bry, Abe Bachrach, and Matt Donahoe. It utilizes AI to power its autonomous flight technology. The company’s drones can navigate obstacles and environments they've never encountered before without relying on human input or predefined instructions.

This enables users to capture footage from unique angles without worrying about manually controlling their drone. Skydio also offers various applications that expand its drones' capabilities, such as obstacle avoidance and autonomous follow-me functions.

Skydio has raised a mouth-watering $230 million in a Series E funding round, bringing its total funding to an eye-watering $562 million and a current valuation of over $2.2 billion. Linse Capital led the funding round, with participation from existing investors Andreessen Horowitz, Next47, IVP, DoCoMo, NVIDIA, the Walton Family Foundation, and UP.

4. RetrainAI

retrain.ai is the leading Talent Intelligence Platform, powered by responsible AI. Analyzing universal real-time labor market data against local company data, helping companies acquire, develop and retain diverse talent from hire to retire.

The platform has raised an additional $14 million from current investors and added Splunk Ventures as a strategic investor in an oversubscribed funding round, bringing the company's total funding to $34 million.

Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO Shay David announced that Retrain.ai uses AI and machine learning to help governments and organizations retrain and upskill talent, facilitate diversity initiatives, and empower employees and job seekers to take control of their career paths. Something we are certainly onboard with.

What’s the bottom line?

Although there is some risk involved with AI, and as much as Elon Musk says “It’s too late” (to turn back) its widespread use in the business world has the potential to bring about great advancements. By leveraging AI algorithms, businesses can reduce costs, increase efficiency and productivity, and create innovative products that could revolutionize entire industries.

The organizations taking advantage of this rapidly growing technology are likely to create a sizable gap ahead their competitors.

There is no doubt that we need to recognize the potential risks and opportunities associated with AI and use it responsibly. With careful planning and consideration, we can ensure that its use benefits everyone involved.

And doesn’t kill off humankind.