Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a “hot trend” that has captured the interest of society in general and business leaders in particular. It promises to revolutionise the way we interact and work. We find AI in various services we use every day, from film recommendations on streaming sites to customer service chatbots.

More recently, largely due to ChatGPT, our attention has turned to Generative Artificial Intelligence, which has shown rapid evolution. With the increasing availability of this type of technology for business, companies are creating new ways to compete and boost productivity, promoting cost reductions and creating new opportunities for growth. In addition to the democratisation of AI, other trends are shaping the future of organisations that use this technology:

1. Ethics and regulation

One of the greatest concerns about the growing integration of AI into everyday life has become not only the replacement of human jobs by machines but the lack of transparency. In this context, organisations need to look closely at AI ethics and regulation as critical aspects to continue implementing disruptive solutions while mitigating these risks. In Europe, this path is already being regulated. The EU AI Act, already approved by the European Parliament, highlights a set of actions and regulations necessary for the implementation of AI solutions, in order to promote security, transparency, non-discrimination and traceability. With the purpose of regulating AI, the document considers that AI systems should always be supervised by people and not by automation systems, in order to avoid harmful outcomes.

2. Skills in a new AI Era

As AI continues to take a more dominant place in organisations, so does the need for a workforce with new skills. Human resources need to continue to improve their skills, which will give them an added advantage and allow them to be better positioned to thrive in the new digital era. Today, technology is no longer a topic just for the IT department but a topic for company leaders, who use and recognise the enormous benefits of AI solutions for organisations. Continuous learning and constant adaptation are becoming the foundations for a successful career in an AI-driven society.

3. AI for Sustainability

The increase in computing power, cryptocurrency and investment in AI has led to a worrying situation regarding the associated costs, be they economic, social or climatic. The added value of these developments and investments must be able to cover the inconveniences they generate. For example, it is important that the increase in robots for very manual and routine tasks frees up people for more strategic and creative work within the organisation. As awareness of climate change and the need for greener practices increases, applying AI to sustainability becomes a priority.

4. AI in Healthcare

AI in Healthcare will continue to see growing investment, as it is an area that can really benefit from the adoption of AI to diagnose, improve processes, create new methods and prevent more sensitive healthcare scenarios in a timely manner. AI can help in the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases, by identifying health problems early and, consequently allowing healthcare professionals to respond quickly, in the treatment of patients, in the development of medicines, reducing time and cost, and in gene editing,  by allowing the modification of organisms’ DNA to prevent or cure diseases. AI also enables personalised medicine, adapting treatments based on the individual genetic characteristics of each patient, which not only increases the effectiveness of treatments, but also reduces unwanted side effects. As technology continues to evolve, AI is expected to play an increasingly central role in promoting health and advancing medicine (another good example is the use of robots in surgery).

5. AI in Robotic Automation

The reduction in the cost of industrial robots and the continuous development and improvement of AI models is allowing organisations to look at automation and robotics with new eyes. Rapidly changing consumer habits and the growing adoption of e-commerce are having a major impact on sectors such as logistics and manufacturing. With the adoption of AI in these sectors, through investment in automation, facial recognition, voice technology and robotics, the process adapts in real-time. This saves time and resources, creates value and offers a differentiated customer experience. However, it can also raise safety and labour issues, which Europe’s AI Act aims to mitigate and prevent.

Artificial Intelligence is shaping the future in powerful and innovative ways. As these trends develop, it is imperative to consider not only the technological benefits, but also the ethical and social implications. Being aware of these trends allows us to anticipate changes and prepare for an AI-driven future. We are at a crucial moment where understanding and reflection on these issues are essential to ensure that Artificial Intelligence is used responsibly and for the benefit of society as a whole.