New AI Assistant Digs Up Specialized Info for Makers Emerging Tech

Avnet last week unveiled a beta version of Ask Avnet, an automated virtual assistant that combines artificial intelligence with on-demand access to industry experts. Ask Avnet targets "engineers, designers, hobbyists, makers and purchasing specialists across the electronics supply chain -- which includes the product manufacturing chain," said Kevin Yapp, senior vice president for digital transformation at Avnet. Ask Avnet gathers information from the company's Web-based ecosystem -- including Avnet.com, element14.com Ask Avnet leverages AI to help anticipate a user's next move and provide the best answer, rather than listing all possible answers. Ask Avnet "aims to shorten the amount of time it takes for Avnet customers to access information," Yapp told TechNewsWorld.