Experts at Gadgets Now Awards: AI will impact all walks of life

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming our world, moving beyond back-end processes and becoming a prominent topic in everyday conversations. At the fourth edition of the Times of India-Gadgets Now Awards 2023, a panel discussion titled "AI-powered Gadgets: Revolutionising Enterprise Efficiency and Productivity" explored the profound impact of AI.

Moderated by Prasad Sanyal, business head of Times Internet, the panel included Vinay Kumar, director of AI at Microsoft, and Devesh Mohan, sales director at GSI Canonical.

AI in everyday life
Kumar highlighted the increasing consumer adoption of AI, with AI assistants becoming commonplace. "AI will simplify our lives in numerous ways," he stated, citing examples like ChatGPT and Google Gemini, which can assist with tasks such as vacation planning and meeting note-taking.

Addressing concerns
Sanyal raised crucial concerns about AI's impact on user privacy and data security. He emphasized the need for robust regulations to safeguard user data. Mohan echoed these concerns, stressing the importance of accountability for companies utilizing AI.

Job displacement and creation
Addressing the common fear of AI-driven job displacement, Kumar argued that while some jobs may be displaced, many new roles will emerge. Mohan drew parallels to the initial concerns surrounding the internet's rise, stating that "AI won't crawl; its impact will be rapid."

The future of AI
Looking ahead to 2047, Kumar envisions AI as a powerful assistant, augmenting human capabilities while maintaining human agency at the core. He highlighted the transformative potential of AI in sectors like education and healthcare.

Mohan acknowledged the difficulty of predicting AI's long-term impact but emphasized its potential to revolutionize education and skill development. He highlighted AI's ability to personalize learning experiences and address learning poverty.

The panel concluded that while the potential benefits of AI are immense, responsible development and regulation are crucial to ensure that AI is used for the betterment of humanity.