The Natural Progression of Artificial Intelligence

Add artificial intelligence (AI) into the equation--and more than a few apocalyptic movies about such learning-enabled machines taking over the human race--and the fear factor is ratcheted up a bit. Though ethical concerns are prevalent, executives across the globe say AI is nonetheless certain to develop further in their businesses. According to a study released this week by Infosys, 71 percent of the 1,600 senior business decision-makers surveyed say that the rise of AI in the workplace is inevitable, pointing to positive changes for business prospects, employees and society. The study--commissioned by Infosys and conducted by independent market researcher Vanson Bourne--set out to investigate the approach and attitudes that senior decision-makers in large organizations (at least 1,000 employees and $500 million in annual revenue) have toward AI technology and how they see the future application and development of AI in their industries. Although AI definitions can vary, it is generally considered as an activity traditionally performed through human intelligence that can now be done by a computer.