The year 2024 promises to be a pivotal moment in the landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) marked by transformative shifts that will reshape industries and redefine human relationship with technology. As we look ahead, several key trends emerge, each carrying the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with AI and ML.
As we step deeper into the digital age, the merging of AI with physical devices is set to revolutionize various industries. The initial wave of generative AI occurred in the cloud, offering a consumer-like experience. However, the more impactful second wave is unfolding at the edge. OpenAI’s recent pause on ChatGPT Plus sign-ups highlighted a significant issue—the cloud struggles to handle the scale and performance needed for crucial tasks at the edge, like managing unmanned drones or active medical devices. While the exact details of how AI at the edge will look and feel are still evolving, one thing is certain – 2024 will usher in fundamental changes to the machines we rely on.
Smaller models will proliferate, leading to more localized generative AI services: As open-source and use case-specific AI models gain prominence, companies will tailor generative AI services to specific functions. This localization trend will not only transform technical workflows but will also extend to impact the daily lives of individuals in cities and municipalities. Real-time transit information, enhanced event recommendations, and efficient traffic management are just glimpses of the positive changes that await us in 2024.
Buyers will prioritize software flexibility over incumbent loyalty: A seismic shift is occurring as buyers prioritize software flexibility over loyalty to incumbent hardware vendors. The one-size-fits-all approach of traditional chips is giving way to a demand for software that seamlessly enables AI integration. This shift emphasizes the importance of compatibility and accessibility to hardware resources at the edge. The focus is on a software experience that simplifies life, meeting the demanding performance and accuracy benchmarks required for AI and ML at the edge.
Deglobalization raises the bar for data security: As concerns over data security intensify, centralized computing at the edge offers a solution by allowing companies to retain control within their walls. With the rise of deglobalization and stricter data residency laws, companies will increasingly opt to keep data on their devices, enhancing reliability, privacy, and compliance. The edge provides an additional layer of self-governance, aligning with the evolving regulatory landscape.
Automotive and Industry 4.0
The fusion of advanced technologies in Industry 4.0 is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s the reality of 2024. Smart manufacturing ecosystems, powered by sensors, machine learning, computer vision, robotics, and edge computing, are becoming the norm. As tech companies diversify operations, factories are evolving into resilient AI-driven systems seamlessly integrated into every stage of the production process.
Much like the smart manufacturing ecosystems in Industry 4.0, the automotive landscape is witnessing a convergence of sensors, machine learning, computer vision, and edge computing, redefining the very essence of vehicular existence.The journey towards Level 3 automation, a state where vehicles assume control with minimal driver intervention, stands as a testament to this parallel evolution. This ambitious leap necessitates groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). The conventional methodologies, characterized by prolonged development cycles, have cast a shadow of stagnation over the industry. The demand for cutting-edge electronic control units (ECUs) has accelerated the aging process of technology within a car’s lifecycle, drawing parallels to outdated navigation systems in the face of contemporary smartphone interfaces.
As we step into 2024, the synergy of these trends paints a picture of a future where AI and ML seamlessly integrate into our daily lives, empowering us to navigate the complexities of the digital age with confidence and foresight. The edge is not just a technological frontier; it’s a paradigm shift that will redefine the way we perceive and harness the power of artificial intelligence.
(Disclaimer: Krishna Rangasayee is CEO and founder of SiMa.ai. Views are personal.)
