On Artificial Intelligence Appreciation Day, Anita Joseph, Editor, Tahawultech.com, spoke to technology industry visionaries to find out what they think about AI and its impact.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly transformed the way we live, work, and interact with technology. To recognize and appreciate the impact of AI on our lives, we celebrate Artificial Intelligence Appreciation Day every year on July 16th. This special day provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of AI and its potential to shape our future.
Artificial Intelligence Appreciation Day serves as a platform to acknowledge the remarkable advancements made in the field of AI. From autonomous vehicles to virtual assistants, AI has revolutionized various industries, including healthcare, finance, transportation, and entertainment. It has enabled breakthroughs in medical research, enhanced customer experiences, and improved efficiency in businesses.
This day also encourages individuals to explore and understand the broader implications of AI. It provides a chance to delve into discussions about ethics, privacy, and the responsible use of AI technologies. By fostering dialogue and education, we can ensure that AI continues to be developed and utilized in an ethical and beneficial manner.
Here’s what the who’s-who of the technology industry think:
Avinash Gujje, Practice Head – Infrastructure, Cloud Box Technologies
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a trendy or mysterious technical term, but has become a significant game changer in our daily lives. As Internet got bigger, more data keeps getting generated, which has become the primary feed for AI to develop complex models using stronger computers. As a result, novel concepts are being developed in fields like image recognition, suggesting things, and understanding human language making AI better and smarter.
Companies world over are investing heavily in AI to improve productivity, and efficiency. AI has a big impact on business, society, money, and culture. Governments and the private sector in the GCC region have opened their arms to AI technology and encouraged investment in research and collaboration projects to contribute to the next level of economic growth in the region. UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel are some of the countries that have already taken big strides in AI research, development, and implementation in the areas of healthcare; education; urbanization; transportation; security and surveillance; and robotics and automation.
AI has impacted the IT sector big time in the region. It has opened opportunities of growth for the IT/ITES organizations in areas such as: automation and operational efficiency; cybersecurity; data analytics; and customer experience. Impact of AI that we are experiencing today is minuscule and is just the tip of the iceberg
David Hoelzer, SANS Fellow & AI Expert
The possibilities generative AI can bring for the future are exciting and transformative. From simple email drafting to helping students pass exams, writing code, or even just generating song lyrics and jokes, new AI tools have a lot to offer, with limitless applications for everything from work to leisure time. Businesses could even soon be using AI as a force for good by preventing cyberattacks through phishing, as the tools could be trained to recognise the language generally used by staff and therefore detect any deviations from this from outside threat actors. The tech sophistication has wowed the world but there are inevitable questions on what AI means for the future of cybersecurity and it’s important to not lose sight of the threats that also come alongside it.
In today’s digital world, opportunistic hackers are known to take advantage of any new tool for their own benefit and the reality of tech is that nothing is ever completely foolproof. It is increasingly crucial for threat-hunting and security teams in organisations to understand how these tools work and what the realities of the technologies are. Without knowledge, it can be very difficult for teams to keep management informed about what the real risks and opportunities are. Like any transition in the way we do things online, AI chatbots introduce many new possibilities for the cybercriminals that use them too. Educating people on the specific threats at play is key to avoiding attacks. If users know exactly how hackers could be targeting them, then they will be better able to ward them off.
Ezzeldin Hussein, Sales Engineer Director, META at SentinelOne
Amongst the most disruptive technologies impacting industries, Generative AI has a meaningful role to play in cybersecurity.
This technology brings unique challenges and opportunities to the security space – while security analysts are gaining access to these tools, so are hackers and bad actors, which will in time allow them to create and execute unprecedented attacks. This makes it crucial for companies to understand and adopt their own AI-based security strategy, to overcome a more sophisticated generation of attacks. Threat actors are increasingly employing AI-based, automated tools to infiltrate all facets of networks with unprecedented speed, but organizations can also leverage AI to uplevel their defenses by working faster and smarter.
Additionally, the cybersecurity field is facing a talent shortage; there are simply not enough trained cybersecurity professionals to meet the needs of the market. Generative AI is just what cybersecurity needs – a force multiplier for security experts, those on the good side of the equation. Generative AI helps tackle emerging cybersecurity challenges by eliminating the use of intricate query languages, complex operations, and reverse engineering. Analysts can use generative AI algorithms to do in seconds what would traditionally take days. AI-powered tools ultimately provide opportunities for defenders to fight back, shrink the skills gap, and create super analysts.
Kevin Miller, Chief Technology Officer, IFS
AI has emerged as a top priority for businesses across multiple industries, revolutionizing the way businesses operate by providing them with a competitive edge.
In manufacturing, AI technologies are being deployed to streamline production processes, enhance product quality, optimize supply chain management and train and protect workers. Machine learning algorithms analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and anomalies, leading to more efficient inventory management, predictive maintenance, and improved demand forecasting (by incorporating weather, as an example). This enables manufacturers to reduce costs, minimize downtime, and improve overall productivity.
In the field service sector, AI is transforming the way companies handle customer requests and manage service operations. Intelligent virtual assistants and chatbots provide instant and personalized customer support, addressing queries and troubleshooting issues in real-time. AI-powered algorithms can also optimize field service scheduling, ensuring that the right technician with the right skills and equipment is dispatched to the right location, with the right parts, thereby improving response times and customer satisfaction.
Furthermore, AI is revolutionizing asset management by enabling proactive maintenance and optimizing asset performance. By leveraging sensor data and predictive analytics, AI algorithms can detect potential equipment failures before they occur, allowing for predictive maintenance. This not only minimizes downtime but also extends the lifespan of assets and reduces maintenance costs.
Overall, AI is a game-changer for businesses in manufacturing, field service, and asset management. By harnessing the power of AI technologies, companies can drive operational efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and gain valuable insights to make informed decisions. As AI continues to advance, its importance across industries will only grow, making it imperative for businesses to embrace and integrate AI into their strategies to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving marketplace.
Pavel Makarevich, VP at PROVEN Solution
On this AI Day, we are proud to celebrate the transformative potential of cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Robotics, and Robotic Process Automation.
PROVEN Solution is at the forefront in the GCC region, harnessing these tools to support industries’ tech strategies, improve productivity, and create immersive experiences. Our vision goes beyond mere automation; we strive to deliver innovative and bespoke solutions that revolutionize industries’ operations. Whether leveraging AI to optimize business processes, utilizing AR and VR to revolutionize medical training and simulation, or deploying robotics to transform the front-desk operations, we are thrilled to be at the forefront of driving digital transformation. Meanwhile, from launching the first-of-its-kind Robotics Technical Services and Training Center in Saudi Arabia to positively impacting the life of ASD & ADHD children with our new virtual reality therapy, our sustainable solutions have left a lasting imprint on the communities we serve.
By embracing the convergence of AI with AR, VR, robotics, and automation, we empower businesses to thrive in the digital era and shape a future where technology and humans work hand-in-hand. Together, let us pioneer a new generation of innovation, collaboration, and prosperity in the GCC region and be the driving force in shaping a future powered by AI.
Ramprakash Ramamoorthy, Director of AI Research, ManageEngine
At the forefront of adopting emerging technologies, businesses in the UAE have taken quick strides with artificial intelligence. This has been revolutionary for IT operations, particularly within the cybersecurity domain. Through AI and machine learning, organizations can identify anomalous activities and maintain a secure environment. AI enables a proactive threat response approach by identifying deviations in tracked metrics and consistently observing user and entity actions to detect internal threats early.
According to a recent report by McKinsey, over 60 percent of businesses operating in the GCC region are adopting AI. However, as businesses increasingly depend on AI, they must remain on high alert. The same transformative cybersecurity capabilities that make AI indispensable to enterprises can also be exploited by cybercriminals. It’s crucial for organizations to preemptively make appropriate technology investments and policy decisions. Businesses should arm their cybersecurity defenses with sophisticated threat intelligence systems and behavior-oriented analytics. Collaboration is paramount, both internally and externally within the cybersecurity community, encompassing researchers, professionals, enterprises, and policymakers. Lastly, business leaders should prioritize ongoing education for themselves and their teams regarding the secure usage of generative AI systems.
Walid Gomaa, CEO, Omnix International
Artificial Intelligence is about augmenting human capabilities and enhancing our collective intelligence. As a powerful ally, it can empower humanity with the tools to solve complex challenges and make more informed decisions, accelerate scientific breakthroughs, and revolutionize industries for the better.
It contributes to enhancing safety across different domains as well. In autonomous vehicles, A.I. algorithms help prevent accidents and improve traffic management. In industrial settings, AI-powered monitoring systems identify potential hazards and prevent accidents. In the healthcare sector, A.I. technologies assist in early disease detection, diagnosis, and treatment planning, leading to better healthcare outcomes. In the areas of personal productivity, AI-powered productivity tools automate routine tasks, organize information, and streamline workflows, boosting individual and organizational efficiency.
Ziad Nasr, General Manager, Acronis Middle East
It is no surprise that 70% of businesses in the UAE rely on AI for their decision-making process, given its proven effectiveness in countering cybercriminals and their advanced tactics. This reliance on AI is further highlighted by the recent announcement of the second phase of the Dubai Cyber Security Strategy, which underscores the city’s commitment to bolstering its economy and ensuring cyber safety. This reinforces the significant role that AI plays in this domain and emphasizes the ongoing need to advance AI technologies in the UAE.Moreover, AI now plays a pivotal role in identifying and addressing cyber threats. A recent report revealed that 62% of IT professionals are actively addressing vulnerabilities in their security infrastructure, underscoring the importance of leveraging AI‘s assistance to strengthen defenses against malicious attacks. By harnessing the power of AI and machine learning to detect ransomware attacks in real time and swiftly identify potential threats, we can significantly enhance our cybersecurity posture.AI has become an indispensable ally in the ongoing battle against cyber threats, providing us with the necessary tools and insights to safeguard critical data and infrastructure. As we celebrate AI Appreciation Day, our unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI‘s capabilities in cybersecurity remains steadfast. Through continuous advancements in these technologies, we strive to create a safer digital landscape for businesses and individuals, ensuring that the benefits of AI are harnessed responsibly and securely.
