From robotic process automation to machine learning algorithms, many of today's most influential companies are deploying artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to drive business results. While most decision makers are aware of the business opportunities that emerging technologies present, many are unprepared simply because they fail to understand them. AI includes a variety of technologies and tools, some that have been around for a long time and others that are relatively new. Nevertheless, one thing is clear: businesses are thinking harder about how to prioritize AI in 2018. According to International Data Corporation (IDC), the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence will jump from $8.0 billion in 2016 to more than $47 billion in 2020.

From robotic process automation to machine learning algorithms, many of today's most influential companies are deploying artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to drive business results. While most decision makers are aware of the business opportunities that emerging technologies present, many are unprepared simply because they fail to understand them. AI includes a variety of technologies and tools, some that have been around for a long time and others that are relatively new. Nevertheless, one thing is clear: businesses are thinking harder about how to prioritize AI in 2018. According to International Data Corporation (IDC), the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence will jump from $8.0 billion in 2016 to more than $47 billion in 2020.

Johannesburg - Medicine will look and be practised differently in the future. Already, digital health and, in particular, artificial intelligence are changing doctors' jobs. In the not-too-distant future, patients will be at the centre of the healthcare system, with care and management delivered on a "platform", rather than face to face. Digitisation in the medical realm is set to create a "patient-centric healthcare system", according to Ryan Noach, deputy CEO of Discovery Health medical scheme. Speaking at a two-day Digital Disruption and Innovation conference, hosted at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (Gibs) in Johannesburg from September 12 to 13, Noach said innovation and change management were key factors in improved and digitised healthcare.