The Department of Energy's first artificial intelligence director is currently reviewing more than 600 AI projects across its agencies to identify "critical" technologies worth advancing and replicating. Earlier this month, Cheryl Ingstad was named head of DOE's new Artificial Intelligence and Technology Office (AITO), intended to prioritize department resources for AI projects as the coordinating agency. The Trump administration proposed funding AITO at $5 million in fiscal 2021 -- up from $2.5 million the previous fiscal year -- but the office will be tapping into other agencies' funds as well. "They have program and project resources available," Ingstad told FedScoop in an interview. Energy has 17 national laboratories developing and applying AI to power generation, cybersecurity, national security, and accelerating scientific discoveries.

With a wide number of technologies brewing, it can be hard to sift through the buzz in order to find out what's worth paying attention to. This is especially important when it comes to the consumer markets. Organizations need to watch for up-and-coming advancements that can enhance the customer experience, as well as provide more interactive touchpoints with their client base. The more that firms can engage with their customers through technology, the greater the opportunity to improve customer loyalty, as well as draw in new clients. A major part of engagement is processing information: Being able to know who to reach, as well as how best to share information in the most streamlined manner possible.