With huge amounts of data, expert precision, and timely, accurate diagnoses at the heart of the healthcare industry, it's little wonder machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming widespread. Insider Intelligence reported that spending on AI in medicine is predicted to grow at an annualized 48% over the next three years. And with numerous research studies already pointing towards AI performing as well as or better than humans, it's generally believed AI tools will assist and enhance human work rather than replace healthcare staff. It is already providing significant improvements across the healthcare industry – from diagnostics to treatment and administration – and is simplifying the lives of patients and doctors alike. Let's look at how AI is shaping the industry today and into the future.

AN ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) system has helped British consumer goods giant Unilever save hundreds of thousands pounds a year.

Is artificial intelligence (AI) a panacea to make work and life nearly effortless – or the first step to a nightmare scenario of self-aware machines? There's been both ballyhoo and angst over the prospects of AI, including some that think AI poses a risk to the "existence of human civilization." On the other hand, senior military and national security leaders have asserted that to not pursue AI is the real existential threat, as it can put the country at risk from other nations that don't share the need for caution. With apologies to those who fear the worst, federal and SLED governments have come down squarely on the side of vigorously pursuing artificial intelligence. Companies that sell storage solutions, automation, big data, security and data mining tools should be encouraged by all the buzz going on in government about AI.

The discipline, which up until recently was restricted to academic research and applications, is finally becoming part of everyday life. They might not be able to tell you what it is, but they will know that it's permeated all sorts of industries. In education, platforms like Century are helping teachers provide more personalised education programmes and receive feedback. In the legal service industry, AI is helping lawyers to do legal searches and draft the best standard documents. In travel, companies are developing fully autonomous systems that diagnose potential problems for driverless cars and identify the most logical routes.