4 ways AI is helping humans make informed decisions

Artificial intelligence (AI) is often spoken about as a future technology. The reality is that it’s already very much part of our world and is helping humans make informed decisions every day.

The release of ChatGPT, an AI-based chatbot, in November 2022 was accompanied by both fanfare and controversy. But it was just the latest in a long line of AI-powered devices already in daily use.

From answering customer service queries to analyzing and predicting climate trends, AI is in use across industries and the public sector. Indeed, it is AI’s ability to analyze huge amounts of data at speed that is making it a useful decision making tool.

Yet its very usefulness also makes AI a potential threat. Cambridge University’s Centre for the Study of Existential Risk says that although AI has great potential, it creates risks around privacy, bias, inequality, safety and security.

While that debate plays out, AI is busy sifting through a mass of data and making connections humans can’t - saving time, money, and even lives.

How artificial intelligence is helping make informed decisions

Here are four ways in which AI is currently helping humans make informed decisions.

1. Fighting wildfires

The World Meteorological Organization predicted that climate change will lead to a 30% increase in the number of extreme fires by 2050, rising to a 50% increase by the end of the century.

Launched by the World Economic Forum in 2022, the FireAld initiative aims to develop AI solutions which predict the location at which wildfires might break out, their likely severity and the best way to tackle them.

A major issue was inconsistencies in the way local weather data was reported and the Forum has urged public agencies to collaborate to ensure that AI tools have the best data from which to predict wildfires accurately.

2. Targeting the right customers

In tough economic times, it’s critical that marketing efforts reach the people most likely to buy products if businesses are to survive. Getting it wrong can be an expensive mistake. Globally, businesses spent over $567 billion in 2022 on digital advertizing.

Research by Deloitte found that AI could make a big difference by working out which channels people prefer to be contacted through and creating tailored messaging for individual potential customers.

The American Marketing Association is putting its ideas into practice by using AI to create personalized newsletters for each of its 100,000 subscribers.

3. Helping firefighters see through smoke

When a fire crew arrives at a burning building, how do they decide where to go? Handheld thermal imaging cameras have their limitations, but in 2022 the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service trialled an AI-based system which helps firefighters find trapped people faster.

Using radar and movement sensors in addition to thermal imaging, the helmet-mounted device provides a clear image of the interior of burning buildings to enable firefighters to make rapid decisions about where to find victims and colleagues.

AI is also playing a role in helping people get back on their feet after fires and natural disasters like floods. Drone images of affected properties are analyzed by insurer SwissRe’s AI-powered Rapid Damage Assessment tool to speed up the processing of claims.

4. Detecting disease

The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in the healthcare industry is significant, particularly in the realm of disease detection and treatment guidance. As we look towards the future, it is expected that AI will play a vital role in two-thirds of medical imaging processes by the year 2026. This transformative technology holds tremendous potential in improving patient care and outcomes.

One notable example of AI's application in disease detection and treatment guidance comes from Microsoft, which is actively developing AI models that leverage a hospital's own data to facilitate the identification of tumors and healthy organs on patient scans. This cutting-edge approach assists oncologists in making informed decisions regarding the most effective and personalized cancer treatments for their patients.

The integration of AI into medical imaging processes offers several advantages. Firstly, AI algorithms can analyze large volumes of medical images in a relatively short period, assisting healthcare professionals in the detection of abnormalities and potential diseases. By swiftly identifying key areas of concern, AI can aid in expediting the diagnosis process and initiating appropriate treatments promptly.

Additionally, AI systems can learn from vast datasets and continuously improve their accuracy and performance. As more patient data becomes available, these AI models become increasingly proficient in identifying patterns and anomalies associated with various diseases. This ongoing learning process empowers AI to contribute to the early detection of diseases, which significantly enhances the chances of successful treatment outcomes.

The ability of AI algorithms to highlight tumor locations and healthy organs on medical scans provides critical support to oncologists. By presenting a clear visual representation of the tumor and its surrounding structures, AI facilitates more precise planning and execution of cancer treatment strategies. This individualized approach helps medical professionals tailor therapies to each patient, considering their specific condition and optimizing the chances of successful treatment response.

Moreover, AI-driven disease detection and treatment guidance systems can assist healthcare providers in reducing the likelihood of human error. By leveraging the power of AI algorithms, medical professionals benefit from enhanced accuracy and consistency in interpreting medical images. This reduction in interpretive errors contributes to improved patient safety and ensures that timely interventions are initiated when necessary.

As the field of AI in healthcare continues to evolve, it is crucial to address concerns such as data privacy, regulatory compliance, and ethical considerations. Maintaining patient privacy and safeguarding sensitive medical information is of paramount importance, and appropriate measures must be in place to protect data integrity and confidentiality.