Boston Dynamics has made a name for itself through fascinating videos of biped and quadruped robots doing backflips, opening doors, and dancing to Uptown Funk. Now, it has revealed its latest gadget: A robot that looks like a huge overhead projector on wheels. It's called Stretch, it doesn't do backflips, it doesn't dance, and it's made to do one task: moving boxes. But this could, in fact, become the most successful commercial product of Boston Dynamics and turn it into a profitable company. Stretch has a box-like base with a set of wheels that can move in all directions.

Kinaxis has pushed artificial intelligence and machine learning development to optimize its software product.

Canadian investors have had a lot to digest in the first half of 2020. From oil price wars to a global pandemic, these are dangerous waters to traverse. However, investors should not remain on the sidelines. Today, I want to discuss why an investment in top artificial intelligence stocks could be worth a fortune down the road. In late 2019, I'd discussed why Kinaxis (TSX:KXS) was perfect for investors who wanted exposure to artificial intelligence development.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the word on everyone's lips. But in the automotive industry today, many products and services being labeled as such are in fact reliant on a form of advanced analytics (evolving from conventional algorithms) that enables those features--for example, predictive maintenance in manufacturing. Theories of AI have existed since 1950. However, AI itself gained wider functional applicability only in the past few decades, with the rise of machine learning and deep learning. This has also been facilitated by advances such as improved algorithms and training methods, greater computing power, and the availability of large amounts of data in the cloud.

In 2017, expect artificial intelligence to become a reality in B2B marketing. Artificial intelligence involves the use of computer systems to perform all kinds of daily tasks that have traditionally required human intelligence. Some of its capabilities include decision-making, visual perception, speech recognition, and language translation. While artificial intelligence has been a staple in science-fiction movies, experts predict that artificial intelligence is about to come to life and have a major impact on the marketing efforts of B2B businesses over the next five years. Yet, too many B2B marketers admit that they are unwise to the ways of artificial intelligence and lack a strong understanding of the advanced technology.

Alexa, Google Home, and other rapidly advancing digital assistants have increased customers' willingness to engage with machines as they have come to not only expect, but appreciate their conversational nature. This attitude shift is transforming how traditional call centers should be doing business – using conversational AI bots to deliver positive user experiences and operational savings. Identifying where and how to implement Artificial Intelligence is one of the biggest challenges companies face when considering self-service. Read on to see how SmartAction has solved this issue, and many more, to enable true integration of AI into call center operations. SmartAction was founded as an artificial intelligence research company and has since evolved into the leading provider of AI-powered customer self-service solutions.

But automotive OEMs need to take five steps to overcome challenges and position themselves to succeed. Artificial intelligence (AI) is the word on everyone's lips. But in the automotive industry today, many products and services being labeled as such are in fact reliant on a form of advanced analytics (evolving from conventional algorithms) that enables those features--for example, predictive maintenance in manufacturing. Theories of AI have existed since 1950. However, AI itself gained wider functional applicability only in the past few decades, with the rise of machine learning and deep learning.

Last November I wrote a column about IBM's newly announced AI software toolkit, PowerAI. PowerAI fulfills a special niche part of IBM's AI investment--aimed towards enterprises who want something in between Watson's turnkey solution ("easy button" on IBM Cloud) and a totally DIY on-prem infrastructure or public cloud. PowerAI runs on IBM's highest performing server in its OpenPOWER LC line (the Power S822LC for High Performance Computing), and utilizes deep learning frameworks and building block software to make it easier for enterprises to dive into AI and machine learning. Already these systems are landing in IT research groups and business units at companies. Recently, IBM announced a significant revamp of PowerAI, seeking to address some of the bigger challenges facing developers and data scientists--cutting down the time required for AI system training significantly, and simplifying the development experience.

In 2017, expect artificial intelligence to become a reality in B2B marketing. Artificial intelligence involves the use of computer systems to perform all kinds of daily tasks that have traditionally required human intelligence. Some of its capabilities include decision-making, visual perception, speech recognition, and language translation. While artificial intelligence has been a staple in science-fiction movies, experts predict that artificial intelligence is about to come to life and have a major impact on the marketing efforts of B2B businesses over the next five years. Yet, too many B2B marketers admit that they are unwise to the ways of artificial intelligence and lack a strong understanding of the advanced technology.

Microsoft (MSFT) ended 2016 in the green, up more than 10%. Moreover, the stock is off to a good start this year, with a 5% rise year to date. As a matter of fact, the company's upward movement started in early 2013. Since then, it has continued rewarding investors every year. Microsoft reported second-quarter results in January. The company's revenue came in at $26 billion, again exceeding analysts' estimate by $790 million.