What is the Future of AI, and How Will it Affect You?

Professor Michael Wooldridge

Director for AI, Alan Turing Institute

Michael, the Ashall Professor of the Foundations of Artificial Intelligence at the University of Oxford, has over 30 years of expertise in AI and has played a key role in shaping AI strategies and research programmes.
As the author of The Ladybird Expert Guide to AI, Michael is uniquely positioned to help businesses navigate the complexities of AI, offering insights into its implications and guiding organisations on how to leverage this transformative technology effectively.

Rahaf Harfoush

Emerging Technologies, Innovation and Business

Rahaf explores the intersection of innovation, culture, and digital transformation. A bestselling author and former lecturer, she has also collaborated with the World Economic Forum.
Drawing on her research, Rahaf helps businesses understand how data is reshaping relationships between organisations and employees, uncovering opportunities in disruptive business models and examining the broader societal impacts of digitisation. Her insights equip organisations to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Henry Ajder

Generative AI and Deepfake Expert

Henry is a leading expert at the forefront of the generative AI and synthetic media revolution. As the presenter of the BBC documentary series The Future Will Be Synthesised, he brings a deep understanding of how emerging technologies are transforming industries.

Henry advises organisations on both the challenges and opportunities presented by these innovations, helping them navigate this rapidly evolving landscape to stay ahead of the curve.

Richard Susskind CBE

The Future of the Professions

Richard is a best-selling author and independent adviser to international firms and governments, specialising in the future of professional services and the impact of AI.

With 40 years of experience, his upcoming book How To Think About AI: A Guide for the Perplexed offers a non-technical exploration of AI’s social and economic effects. Richard believes balancing AI’s benefits and risks is the defining challenge of our time for businesses and society.

For more information on any of the above speakers or for other options on the topic of Tech and AI, please contact us today.

What is the Future of AI?

The Future of AI is not 100% clear however Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant concept, and one that cannot be ignored; it’s a transformative force reshaping industries, societies, and our daily lives.

From healthcare to entertainment, AI continues revolutionising processes, offering unparalleled opportunities while posing unique challenges concerning AI acceptance and how the technology may affect those working in roles at risk of AI automation. As we stand on the brink of further innovation, understanding the future of AI and its potential impact is more important than ever.

An IBM survey revealed that around 42% of enterprise-scale companies had already integrated AI into their everyday operations, and another 40% were considering implementing AI aspects into their business. In short, companies that cannot see the opportunities presented by AI and those unwilling to introduce AI into their operations are in danger of being left behind.

Evolving with AI

Many people already use some form of AI, whether Amazon’s voice-controlled assistant Alexa or AI-driven features on their mobile phones. In business, early AI systems have mainly focused on automating repetitive tasks, e.g. spell checkers and basic chatbots.

Today, advancements in machine learning and neural networks have given rise to powerful systems capable of performing complex tasks, from mass data conversion and diagnosing diseases to creating artwork and composing music. But where is AI headed next?

• Healthcare
• AI-powered tools are transforming diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient care. It won’t be long before we live in a world where AI can predict illnesses before symptoms appear, personalise preventive care for each individual, and help diagnose more accurately in an improved timeframe.
• Workplace and Employment
• AI is already automating routine tasks, allowing workers to focus on more strategic, creative, or pressing responsibilities without being bogged down by admin tasks that can be aided by AI. With this shift comes the need for individuals to adapt to these innovations and learn new skills to thrive in an AI-enhanced workplace.
• Manufacturing
• The manufacturing sector has benefitted from the introduction of AI for many years now, with AI-powered robotic arms commonplace in car manufacturing facilities. However, with the surge in technology, electric vehicle adoption, and computing power within our vehicles, we will see AI play an increasingly pivotal role in diagnostics and safety features.
• Finance
• Many financial institutions already use AI to detect fraud or conduct audits. As technologies progress, AI will undoubtedly help increase economic security, while the risk of fraud will be dramatically reduced as more AI systems are implemented.
• Education
• Personalised learning experiences powered by AI can cater to individual student needs, making education more accessible and practical. Whether they help students with learning difficulties or offer in-depth, extracurricular activities, AI tutors and adaptive learning platforms can unlock the next generation’s potential.
• Transport
• While self-driving cars have been conceived, ready-for-market vehicles are still in their infancy and a little way off. That said, it won’t be long before AI-powered vehicles can ferry us from A to B, given that many cities already benefit from autonomous delivery robots for food, packages, hospital deliveries, and even hotel room service.
• Entertainment and Media
• While AI has long been the subject of many cinematic and televised titles, it will now help create entertainment. From generating realistic virtual worlds on-screen to creating personalised content recommendations on platforms like Netflix, AI is already redefining how we consume and interact with media.
• Smart Cities
• AI will be critical in future urban planning, traffic management, and sustainability efforts. Smart cities will leverage AI to improve quality of life, focusing on reducing environmental impact.
  

London already has the world’s most extensive collection of air quality sensors, with over 750 companies working together to analyse the city’s data. Singapore uses sensors to track the comings and goings of its citizens in busy areas, while Dubai is digitalising all transport, communications, infrastructure, electricity, economic services, and urban planning with the help of AI.

With projects in Saudi Arabia for multiple futuristic super-cities (Neom and Mukaab) by 2030, the country aims to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil. Thus, it’s clear how AI and technology will shape the world and how we live in the not-so-distant future.

Whatever sector your business operates in, your workforce must be educated on AI’s current and prospective functions and capabilities. With the help of JLA and our professional keynote speakers, you can inform your employees about how AI can improve their performance and the business’s output and revenue.

If you’re considering a Tech & AI speaker for your conference or business event, JLA is here to help. Your dedicated account manager will take the time to understand your brief, recommend the ideal speaker for your audience, and handle all the details, from negotiating booking fees to ensuring you get the best value for your budget. Contact us today.