If it wasn’t the buzzword of 2024, it looks like it will be in 2025; artificial intelligence is not only here to stay, but continues to grow in its usability and usefulness. Companies putting their models out online for others to freely use has only helped to speed up the adoption of AI at all levels, including across many different sectors on the Isle of Wight. So, what exactly is AI, why is it such coveted tech, and where are islanders seeing it in action?
Artificial Intelligence and its Many Uses
Artificial intelligence is a form of technology that lets machines, including computers, simulate human decision-making, problem-solving, learning, creativity, and autonomy, with better AI programs being able to perform these tasks to a better degree. The applications of this technology, when it gets advanced enough, could be huge, especially when you consider how many similar technologies are already making an impact.
Take machine learning, for example. It’s a technology that’s already being embraced across several industries, especially where personalisation is becoming the focus. For example, leading bookmakers are now increasingly using machine learning in their sports betting software. Leading sportsbook solution programs make use of the efficiency of machine learning to provide bookmakers with the ability to set up a sportsbook platform powered by AI. The software is able to collects impersonal data points, analyse it, and then let the sportsbook automatically personalise the experience for each player.
Examples of machine learning such as this show the potential of artificial intelligence. The programs can analyse very, very quickly and utilise a human-like mindset for learning, making decisions, and problem-solving. AI can rummage through far more data points than we could in a reasonable timeframe, and then come up with solutions for us to follow. Efficiency is key to industries around the world, and artificial intelligence looks to be the way forward.
Tales of AI Embedding Itself Across the Isle of Wight
One of the most high-profile stories of the usefulness of artificial intelligence in the UK of late centred on its use at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight. Here, AI was brought in to help increase the efficiency of the service for people who required cataract surgeries. With Dora, an automated voice system, people call up, answer a few questions, and then the program works out who needs to be seen sooner, cutting wait times from 35 weeks to just ten.
The AI system Dora was developed in Oxford. On the Isle of Wight, Innovative Physics have come up with their own AI solution. Teaming up with Cumbria firm Barrnon, they built the Innovative Robotic Operating System, which is capable of identifying and sorting nuclear waste. The AI powers the robotics, and in turn, the robotics help to reduce the risk from radiation for human workers, environmental risks, and all while lowering costs.
Following the path from AI-powered voice system to AI-powered robotic sorting system, we now land with a fully-fledged robot as we’d see them in the movies. The Pinnacle Suites Hotel has supplemented its hospitality workforce with the Artificial Intelligence Drinks Assistant. Rolling around with a drinks tray and a blue light around its base, the robot can interact with customers, adding a fun addition to the experience in the restaurant.
Artificial intelligence is becoming more and more prominent, and on the Isle of Wight, we’re already seeing it be developed and applied in many different ways. Based on the momentum gained by the tech already, this is only the beginning.
