We often don’t think about it, but we are already using artificial intelligence (AI) en masse. It has already caused many technological changes in the world. We unlock our smartphones with facial recognition, increasingly chat on websites with AI-driven chatbots, use virtual assistants like Siri and leave thinking and writing to ChatGPT. You could almost say we can’t live without it. Artificial intelligence is the future of technology. And how great would it be if you could also use this technology to your advantage within your own organization? We tell you how you can use applications of AI in your daily operations and how that helps your business grow.
What is artificial intelligence?
Artificial intelligence, artificial intelligence (AI) is a broad term. It is a branch of computer science concerned with creating systems that can perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, making decisions and understanding natural language. We use AI in a wide range of applications, from chatbots to autonomous vehicles to diagnosing medical conditions. It can solve complex problems that were previously impossible or time-consuming. The technology can also automate processes, improving efficiency and accuracy and reducing human error. It converts human input to input that can be used by computer systems based on previously found patterns and a created neural network.
We apply the technology in various techniques, including facial recognition, speech recognition, language translation, robotics and machine learning.
What are benefits of artificial intelligence within an organization?
Artificial intelligence helps automate routine tasks. The technology actually takes over tasks from employees. Thus, by using AI, they can add more value to the organization, such as having more time for more complex tasks and higher productivity.
It also improves the efficiency of business processes. For example, the technology helps make processes more efficient. For example, by analyzing and reporting data that allows companies to better understand their performance and where opportunities for improvement exist.
Artificial intelligence also helps predict trends. This is done through data analysis. This helps organizations make better decisions and better prepare for future internal and external developments.
Finally, it also helps optimize products and services by tailoring them to customer needs and wants. This is done by analyzing customer data, for example. This data is then used to improve an organization’s products and services.
Different applications of artificial intelligence within an organization
Image recognition with AI
One of the most common applications is AI combined with image recognition. Image recognition is a technology that allows automatic recognition and categorization of objects, patterns or faces in digital images and videos. Artificial intelligence then extracts useful information from that to take (semi) actions on it. One then speaks of computer vision.
For example, one of the main applications of image recognition using artificial intelligence is to identify objects from images. This can be used for a variety of purposes:
- Medical imaging: AI-based image recognition can help doctors quickly and accurately identify medical conditions on medical images, such as MRI scans and X-rays. This can lead to faster diagnoses and better patient care.
- Autonomous vehicles: it is used in self-driving cars to detect and identify objects and obstacles on the road. This allows autonomous vehicles to better navigate and avoid accidents.
- Safety and security: here image recognition is used in surveillance cameras and security systems to detect and report suspicious activity. This can help prevent crime and protect property and people.
- Retail: technology is used in retail to track customers and analyze their buying behavior. This can help retailers improve the shopping experience and offer personalized offers.
At Pegamento, we have years of experience in developing image recognition in conjunction with artificial intelligence. At Bakkerij Amstelveld, we use computer vision to increase quality control. And at the Department of Public Works we use technology to detect and help prevent dangerous situations when operating bridges.
The video below shows how normal cameras detect road users anonymously through AI models. Thanks to license plate detection, information such as position, weight, air pollution and noise pollution can be collected. This data is then anonymized and can be used to draw valuable conclusions about the use and nuisance of infrastructure.
Language Translation & Speech Recognition
We also use AI for language translation. Language translation is a technology that allows computers to translate text or speech from one language to another. Language translators are often used in environments where people of different cultures come together such as international companies, tourist destinations and educational institutions.
Another common application is speech recognition. This is a technology that allows computers to recognize and understand spoken language. Customer service agencies use speech recognition to automatically transcribe and categorize customer phone calls. Based on this, the technology can also determine the customer’s emotional state. This can help streamline customer service and improve the customer experience.
For example, Sprinklr is an omnichannel platform in which AI is used for language translation and speech recognition. This allows people to chat with each other in real time regardless of what language they speak. For example, when an employee has a conversation with a non-native-speaking customer, an AI engine during the chat instantly translates the text into the correct language of the recipient and sender. This allows everyone to communicate in their own language so you are not constantly translating conversations. In this way, customer contact can be faster. The AI-driven platform not only translates, but also uses speech recognition to recognize whether a customer is satisfied or dissatisfied. Based on this, the platform provides answer suggestions that the employee can use during the conversation.
Below is an image from Sprinklr that uses speech/text recognition to provide automatic answer suggestions to a question about parking permits.
RPA & AI
Robotic process automation(RPA) focuses on automating repetitive tasks and processes in organizations. Developers program RPA systems to automate various tasks, such as collecting data from different sources, processing invoices and other administrative tasks. RPA is a software robot that you can think of as your virtual employee who handles repetitive tasks for you. Not a physical robot, but a computer robot.
Because RPA cannot “think for itself,” the power of the technology really comes to the fore when it is combined with artificial intelligence. Thus, you can use RPA to automate business processes, while you can use AI to optimize and improve these processes. This can lead to increased efficiency and better results.
RPA without AI
- A service request comes in through an external portal;
- Robot retrieves data from portal and asks employee to determine urgency;
- Employee determines urgency based on description of spill (interpretation text);
- Robot creates notification and schedule based on employee input.
RPA with AI
- A service request comes in through an external portal;
- Robot retrieves data from portal and asks AI model to determine urgency;
- AI model determines the urgency based on the description of the spill (interpretation text) and gives a reliability score;
- When the reliability score is above x percent, the robot creates a notification and schedule based on input from the AI model. Lower than x percent? The robot requests a second opinion from the employee.
AI and RPA are increasingly being used in various industries and sectors including financial services, healthcare, manufacturing and logistics. Companies are reaping the benefits of AI and RPA by automating their processes, reducing errors and achieving cost savings. Pegamento has developed the Mail Assistant and Process Assistant, among others.
The Mail Assistant automates an organization’s mail traffic using both technologies. A mail arrives in the mailbox. The RPA software recognizes the mail and picks it out. The AI software figures out the intent and uses smart templates to automatically handle the mail traffic. The AI software can also recognize (request) questions from the mail and forward them to the right person within the organization at the right time. This is also known as our Process Assistant.
Below is a video using RPA i.c.w. AI to speed up the process of opening a (business) bank account.
Machine Learning
Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence that focuses on developing systems that can automatically learn and improve themselves without explicit instructions from a programmer. Machine learning allows systems to adapt and improve themselves based on feedback, making them increasingly effective and efficient. This is done by analyzing large amounts of data and identifying patterns. These, in turn, can be used to make predictions or decisions. Machine learning is used in a lot of different applications of AI within all kinds of industries. Therefore, its potential is enormous.
ChatGPT is an example created using machine learning. The chat learns through interactions with its users to get better and better at giving the right answer to a question.
There is some speculation that AI will overtake humans. People’s concerns about the technology’s potential are growing. In response, the EU has adopted a proposal to regulate AI internationally: the so-called artificial intelligence regulation(AI Act). The legislation aims to make AI legal, ethical and technically robust. At the same time, the legislation should ensure that AI respects democratic values, human rights and laws, among other things.
But how can applications of artificial intelligence contribute to my organization?
In short, AI is used for a wide range of applications combined with technologies such as image recognition and robotic process automation. It is a powerful technology that is increasingly being used in organizations. Artificial intelligence helps companies optimize processes, cut costs, increase customer satisfaction and increase revenue. Processes are also becoming smarter and more efficient through its use. Companies that make smart use of the technology often have a competitive advantage over those that do not.
