Let's start with the basics: Accenture defines artificial intelligence (AI) as a collection of multiple technologies that together enable machines to sense, comprehend, act and learn, either on their own or to augment human activities. Indeed, we are seeing AI at a tipping point – quickly coming of age and beginning to mature at a much faster rate than ever before. This is because it is now possible, due to the availability of massive, inexpensive cloud-accessible computing power and low-cost storage, combined with algorithms, to sift rapidly through enormous volumes of data. Companies need to know how to harness AI effectively. Corporate executives seem convinced of its potential – according to Accenture's 2016 Technology Vision survey, 70 per cent of corporate executives said they are making significantly more investments in AI-related technologies than two years ago, with 55 per cent stating that they plan on using machine learning and embedded AI solutions like Amelia extensively.