We have heard terms like'artificial intelligence' and'machine learning' bandied about often, but do we really know what they hold for us in the coming days? Data Science may have become hot in this decade, but its existence can be traced back to more than a couple of decades ago. A lot of academic research took place in data science (data mining) then, but there was no application in the market; it was all theoretical and mathematical. Kirk Borne, Principal Data Scientist and Executive Advisor at Booz Allen Hamilton, shared some nuggets of wisdom in the field of data analytics and prediction, at the recently concluded DataHack Summit. Given his experience in the field of astrophysics, he emphasised the need for companies and individuals to be inspired and illuminated in the world of analytics. Borne believes that the following 10 trends would shape the future of data analytics.

In Guangzhou earlier this month 40 people, including the deputy mayor of the southern Chinese province, lined up for a taste of the future of transport – an autonomous flying taxi. The Ehang 184 drone flew the passengers on round trips of up to 15 kilometres, with some reaching the top speed of 130km per hour. The successful passenger flights by the Guangzhou-based company come as tech firms around the world race to launch new methods of mobility and carve out a slice of the fast-growing market. "This makes you feel like you have travelled into the future, like you're in a sci-fi movie. But this is real," Ehang's founder and chief executive Hu Huazhi said in a company video that showed footage of the flight tests.

Many of the companies showed off products linked to the hottest trends, including artificial intelligence and virtual reality, while others tried to cash in on the momentum building toward the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. Lightz Inc., an Ibaraki-based firm, pitched an AI system that simulates …

We might be tempted to think that artificial intelligence is a 21st-century invention, but to be exact, the technology claims its origin from mythical stories. Although not clearly defined then, humans always thought of creating mechanical beings that would do superhuman tasks, with the idea being prominent with Greek's Pygmalion and Hephaestus myths. In the 1940s, the discovery of a programmable digital computer brought great light to the mythical AI, and the technology got into books. Come 1956, scientists from Dartmouth College embraced artificial intelligence as their major tool for conducting scientific research. Hopes were high with the tech, which resulted in millions of dollars being driven to research.

A screencap posted on Chinese social network Weibo showed Microsoft-developed XiaoBing declaring that its "China dream is to go to America." The "girlfriend app" also brilliantly dodged a patriotic question by responding with: "I'm having my period, wanna take a rest." While these responses may seem like they can't hold a candle to Tay's racist and sexist tweets, they're the worst responses a chatbot could serve up in China. Especially now that authorities are tightening internet access even further and ramping up censorship leading to the Communist Party's leadership reshuffle this fall. As Financial Times points out, this is the latest instance that brings the flaws of deep learning techniques to the surface.

Digitalisation benefits the entire insurance industry. From simplifying complex policies and streamlining approval processes, digitalisation can have a positive impact on all parties including customers, agents and brokers. On the internet, 80%1 of local financial research is largely centered on insurance policies as customers gather more information before committing to a purchase. As a result, it has become crucial for insurers to provide a strong digital experience for customers. However, a recent global study found that over 58%2 of senior-level executives in the insurance industry believe they are behind other financial services when implementing digital technologies.

Boston-based Ministry of Supply has launched the Mercury, an "intelligent heated jacket" that can operate automatically or be controlled by voice through a smart assistant such as Alexa. It uses thin carbon fibre pads to heat the jacket, and has sensors to detect the outside temperature, the user's body temperature and how much the wearer is moving to then calculate the optimum temperature of the garment. The Mercury, which is being funded through a Kickstarter campaign, comes pre-programmed to react based on these readings, but with the user's input via an app, the jacket supposedly can learn more about their preferences and then predict them itself over time. The app's voice-control integration also allows you, via a digital assistant such as Alexa, to preheat the jacket, meaning it will be ready the moment you step out into the chilly morning air. Your hands and your phone won't be left out either, as the pockets are also heated, and the jacket's battery can be used to charge up your devices on the go, too.

With Japan riding high after its best showing ever in a Winter Olympics, a recent trade show drew attention to state-of-the-art technologies that could one day help train future Olympians. Sports Business Expo Tokyo attracted 630 companies and an estimated 30,000 visitors to Makuhari Messe Convention Center in Chiba Prefecture last week to see the latest in sports technology. Many of the companies showed off products linked to the hottest trends, including artificial intelligence and virtual reality, while others tried to cash in on the momentum building toward the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. Lightz Inc., an Ibaraki-based firm, pitched an AI system that simulates volleyball matches and maps the emotional state of athletes based on variables input by trainers and athletes. The simulation can be paused so that teams can analyze the state of each athlete at any point during the match.

Sophia the robot is a celebrity in its own right. It has been on chat shows, given speeches and was even made a citizen of Saudi Arabia. Before I "met" Sophia, I was given a sheet of guidelines by the company behind it, Hanson Robotics. Don't talk to the robot about sex, religion or politics, it said. Ask direct questions and remember it is not a fortune teller - it can't tell you whether you'll be rich or find love.

It was not long ago that Artificial Intelligence (AI) was only in the realm of science fiction. Today, it has become a reality and is only growing more prominent in many different industries every day. This includes the internet as AI in search engine technology has been around for a few years. The algorithms used to rank pages have been affected considerably by AI already and that trend will continue into the foreseeable future. Currently, Google's RankBrain, an AI process used help set search engine rankings, is having a major impact which is only expected to expand.