Deep Learning (AI) is Here Now. Key Takeaways for CIOs!

According to McKinsey, $50 trillion of value will be created by AI and Robotics. Smart machines are going to change our work and our lives by making intelligent decisions than humans.

"Every Digital Business Will Become a Cognitive Computing Business." - IBM CEO Ginni Rometty 

What is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial Intelligence enables computers to learn, predict, decide, and even comprehend much faster and more accurately than the human brain.

AI mimics human intelligence, using logic, if-then rules, decision trees, and machine learning (including deep learning).

• AI is the new electricity. IBM's Watson is the AI platform.
• AI is an embedded technology (Siri, Alexa, Cortana) where you put a brain (cognitive computing) on the application using machine learning.

What is Machine Learning?

Machine Learning is a subset of AI that includes abstruse statistical techniques that enable machines to improve at tasks with experience.

• Machine Learning will change industries and society as a whole.
• Machine learning is based on algorithms that can learn from data without relying on rules-based programming. The category includes deep learning.

"Dark Data is the Money and world’s new natural resource."

• Big Data Analytics is moving to cognitive cloud where we’re adding MachineLearning.
• Machine learning automates data analysis tasks and addresses key challenges related to information.

"Using Watson technology IBM has ingested all of the cancer documentation, textbooks, new information and medical curriculum. IBM then puts that information “at the doctors’ fingertips,” enabling them to improve efficiency and diagnostic accuracy."

What is Deep Learning?

Deep Learning (Deep Neural Networks on steroids) is the subset of machine learning composed of algorithms that permit software to train itself to perform tasks, like speech and image recognition, by exposing multilayered neural networks to vast amounts of data.

• Machines (Amazon's Firefly, Google's TensorFlow) an now teach themselves. Machines learn by experience and improve their performance over time.
• You program with lots of data instead of code to solve some of the hardest analytics challenges in the world.
• Google CEO Sundar Pichai describes Deep Learning as "a core, transformative way by which we're rethinking how we're doing everything."
• Banking applications use smart vision systems to provide superior user experience for authentication.

 "Today's powerful chips are 20 to 50 times more efficient than traditional central processing units (CPUs) for deep-learning computations."

•  Deep learning does “A to B mappings. You can input an audio clip and output the transcript. That’s speech recognition.
• Startup Enlitic uses deep learning to analyze radiographs and CT and MRI scans
• Merck is trying to use deep learning to accelerate drug discovery.
• Reenome aims to diagnose cancer from blood samples.

Key Takeways for CIOs

• Implement strategic vision first with a multi-disciplinary team that includes Data Scientists.
• Identify types of decisions that should be automated to deliver on strategic growth goals.
• Know your highest-impact decisions and knowledge bottlenecks.
• Consider the constraints placed on machine autonomy to build cognitive solution.
• Incorporate machine learning into business processes. Use deep learning to analyze multi-channel content ( structured and unstructured data, images etc.) and adapt deep-learning powered applications-like speech recognition interfaces and translation services-for your businesses.
• Track technology developments. Accelerate software delivery by using open source “bots” (APIs for intelligent human interface) that allow conversational interaction with programs, through either text or voice input.
• Invest in new talent particularly Data Scientists, and Designers (Design Thinking). Design is critical today. See my blog on Design Thinking.
• Understand the legal, risk and trust implications. Design your AI systems more humane that benefits society and with cybersecurity in mind.
• Manage multivendor/technology partnerships to create the greatest competitive advantage for the people and society.
• Acquire enterprise applications that already use machine learning.
• Leverage existing tools and technologies to analyze data with machine-learning algorithms and embed the results in applications to make them smart and adaptable.
• Use AI as a transformative agent to win, retain, and serve customers better than their competitors.

Conclusion

The fourth industrial revolution is driven by automation and augmentation by utilizing cognitive technology to help humans work better, smarter and faster. We must see AI vendors/technologies as partners in the ecosystem solving complex problems for the next era.

"Humans and Machines complement each other. A human-machine team can be more effective than either one alone. People will augment cognitive tools, rather than be automated by them."

Question

How is Artificial Intelligencd impacting your industry and what it can do in future? What ethical questions are you addressing? How do you get from today to tomorrow? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

References

Artificial Intelligence Is Almost Ready for Business.

Will AI Companies Make Any Money?

Why deep learning is suddenly changing your life?

Only humans need apply.

Preparing for the future of Artificial Intelligence.

Photo Credits: Information Age, ACS, MIT Deep Learning article

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ABOUT KHWAJA SHAIK:

Khwaja Shaik is the award-winning global IT Leader with 20+ years of business technology leadership with GE, PwC, IBM and Bank of America. Recognized for Cybersecurity, Innovation, Architecture, Cloud and Large-scale execution, He was instrumental in major IT transformations that have delivered cost reductions, efficiency gains, agility and competitive advantage to Fortune 500 companies. Khwaja holds an MBA (Global Management), Bachelors in Engineering & executive programs. HBR Advisory Council Member, McKinsey Global Institute's Executive Panel Member, University of North Florida's Computing Advisory Board Member, World Affairs Council of Jacksonville Member, Atlantic Institute's Advisory Board Member, "Night of Asia" Advisory board member (2015) and 2014 CIO IT & Security Forum - Speaker.