Next Wave In Artificial Intelligence: Plug In And Work, Plug In For Services

I once heard it said that if AT&T did not install automatic phone switching technology several decades back, the phone company would now need to employ the entire population of North America to work as operators to meet the demand of today's call traffic. While many observers fear that artificial intelligence and robots will eliminate large swaths of jobs, it's also arguable that technology is enhancing humans' lives and livelihoods, and in the process, creating even more opportunities. Chetan Dube, founder and CEO of IPsoft, falls squarely on the side of technology optimists in this regard. I had the opportunity to talk with Dube at a recent IPsoft confab which unveiled the latest version of its enterprise intelligent assistant, "Amelia." Dube, whose company, IPsoft, specializes in applying artificial intelligence to customer interactions, is himself an example of an innovator who is building on the next wave of work-saving technology.