Confluence of tech, artificial intelligence due in 2017

It's that time of the year again: The time when pundits and analysts assess the present and forecast the future. Some of the predictions weren't terribly favorable for the United States, as it is not expected to be among the top ten fastest growing economies in the world. If technology and innovation pique your interest, then 2017 may be just what the doctor ordered. "Artificial intelligence" (AI) is a term that may bring to mind the 1982 hit, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. However, nearly 35 years later, the impact of AI on technological advancements in everything from retail marketing to healthcare is remarkable.