Artificial intelligence software is likely to be the most disruptive force in technology in the coming decade and companies that embrace AI may get a competitive edge while those that don't risk extinction. AI is nascent, but the pace of innovation and disruptive potential of startups will accelerate as computing costs shrink and machine-learning algorithms advance. The ability to self-learn by processing data may spur demand among consumers and enterprises alike. Cloud computing and machine-learning algorithms have fueled the jump in AI, keeping costs in check while helping applications interpret an ever-growing mountain of data. The tools can process an enormous volume of data, run self-learning algorithms and suggest ways that companies can better understand their customers and boost return on investment.