Accenture thinks that the future of technology is centered around people. It believes that human needs will be the common thread for the rapid advance of technologies such as artificial intelligence. The technology global consulting firm is releasing its annual forecast report, dubbed Technology for People, as part of its annual predictions today. The report states that we are beginning to see the emergence of technology for people, by people -- technology that seamlessly anticipates our needs and delivers hyperpersonalized experiences. "The pace of technology change is breathtaking, bringing about the biggest advancements since the dawn of the Information Age," said Paul Daugherty, Accenture's chief technology and innovation officer, in a statement.

Over 1,000 attendees, 50 speakers and 30 exhibitors; this is a brief summary of what I was lucky enough to take part in during the first AI Europe 2016 conference held in London on the 5 and 6 December. The attendee list boasted the biggest names from the world of artificial intelligence such as Microsoft, Dell, Uber, Samsung and Nvidia, as well as several innovative start-ups, the likes of Blippar and DreamQuark whose innovations are based on machine or deep learning models. Even if we can say with a degree of certainty that further advances in artificial intelligence are yet to come, leading players are in agreement that most AI techniques and technologies are now well-advanced. Therefore, their major preoccupation today is more about the quality of the data sets being used to train and validate their machine and deep learning models. Whether it's Dell or Uber, Microsoft or Blippar, they all have one thing in common: they all agree on the fact that as of now, the quality of the data used in AI for machine learning is of the utmost importance.

Could AI be Society's Secret Weapon for Growth? As we move towards machines that think and learn, society is equal parts excited and terrified. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming the most talked-about and worried-about technology of the modern age. This session explores the growing impact of AI on business and society, and how we can prepare for the opportunities and challenges. What controls will we need to ensure that AI benefits everyone in society?

In 2015, it was all about big data but venture capital (VC) investments in China will move increasingly into artificial intelligence (AI) this year, a KPMG study found. "Back in 2015, you get a lot of data points. Now, we're moving into the second phase where companies are trying to capture data, analyse the data...and monetize it," a KPMG China partner, Lyndon Fung, told CNBC's "Street Signs" on Thursday. He cited self-driving cars as an example of artificial intelligence technology that is poised to transform lives. In the report released last week, KPMG found investment by VCs in China reached a record high in 2016, despite a global slowdown.

As the fourth industrial revolution gathers pace, business leaders need to start addressing how AI and automation will impact their business and workforce. Emerging technologies are fundamentally disrupting how we live and work, and their future impact cannot be ignored. Only half of UK CEOs are currently addressing the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) or automation on their organisation, according to PwC's 20th CEO Survey, published at the World Economic Forum in Davos. This puts the UK behind countries such as Germany, the US and China in responding to how emerging technologies will redefine businesses. Only just over a quarter of UK bosses say they are considering the impact of AI on their future skills needs, compared to almost 40% of CEOs worldwide.

Entrepreneurs need little convincing that technology is important, rapidly evolving, and likely to have a profound impact on their businesses. But keeping track of developments, and knowing where to focus one's attention, is anything but straightforward. Analysts at PricewaterhouseCoopers (pdf) say the impact of constant technological breakthroughs represent a "megatrend" – a change so big that "every business should develop an emerging technology strategy". They have highlighted eight key areas that all businesses should pay attention to. The artificial intelligence market is growing rapidly and forecast to be worth $36bn by 2025.

According to a recent press release out of the company, "Deloitte predicts that over 300 million smartphones, or more than one-fifth of units sold in 2017, will have machine learning capabilities within the device in the next 12 months. The 16th edition of the'Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) Predictions' showcases how mobile devices will be able to perform machine learning tasks even without connectivity, which will significantly alter how humans interact with technology across every industry, market and society. However, over time machine learning on-the-go will not just be limited to smartphones. These capabilities are likely to be found in tens of millions (or more) of drones, tablets, cars, virtual or augmented reality devices, medical tools, Internet of Things (IoT) devices and unforeseen new technologies."

Robots will use humans as pets once they achieve a subset of artificial intelligence known as'superintelligence'. This is according to SpaceX-founder Elon Musk who claims that when computers become smarter than people, they will treat them like'pet Labradors'. His comments were made in a recent interview with scientist Neil deGrasse Tyson, who added that computers could choose to breed docile humans and eradicate the violent ones. SpaceX-founder Elon Musk (right) says robots will someday treat humans like pets.In a recent interview with scientist Neil deGrasse Tyson (left), Musk said his fears revolve around'superintelligence' Musk: 'I mean, we won't be like a pet Labrador if we're lucky,' Musk said. Or something strange is going to happen.' Tyson: 'They'll keep the docile humans and get rid of the violent ones.

Deloitte Global predicts that over 300 million smartphones, or more than one fifth of units sold in 2017, will have machine learning capabilities within the device in the next 12 months. Mobile devices will be able to perform machine learning tasks even without connectivity which will significantly alter how humans interact with technology across every industry, market and society, notes Deloitte Global in its 16th Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) Predictions. Over time, machine learning on-the-go will not just be limited to smartphones, the report states. These capabilities are likely to be found in tens of millions (or more) of drones, tablets, cars, virtual or augmented reality devices, medical tools, Internet of Things (IoT) devices and unforeseen new technologies. "Machine learning is fascinating as it will revolutionise how we conduct simple tasks like translating content, but it also has major security and health consequences that can improve societies around the world," says Paul Sallomi, Deloitte Global TMT industry leader, in a statement.

It could double economic growth rates in developed countries, writes Accenture's CTO. Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be the single most disruptive technology the world has seen since the Industrial Revolution. Granted, there is a lot of hype out there on AI, along with doomsday headlines and scary movies. But the reality is that it will positively and materially change how we engage with the world around us. It's going to improve not only how business is done, but the kind of work we do – and unleash new levels of creativity and ingenuity.