We’ve been conscious of the existence of Artificial Intelligence for many years, but until recently, it was not something we would overtly experience in our daily lives. However, barely a day now goes by where we don’t hear about the existence and application of these technologies – this is probably the biggest tech topic of 2023.
In recent years, there has been much discussion about the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on various industries and job roles. While some fear that AI will completely replace humans, it is important to understand that AI itself is not capable of replacing individuals. Instead, it is the people who wield AI as a tool that can potentially replace certain functions or roles. In this article, we will delve into this topic and explore why AI alone cannot replace human beings.
Role
So what is the role of AI? At its core, it is a tool that can augment human capabilities and automate certain tasks. It is designed to assist and enhance human intelligence, rather than act as a substitute for it. AI algorithms are developed, trained, and deployed by humans who define the objectives and constraints. Without human input, AI would lack purpose and context.
Despite significant advancements in AI technology, there are inherent limitations to what AI can achieve. While AI excels at performing repetitive and data-driven tasks with speed and accuracy, it lacks the broader understanding, creativity, and intuition that humans possess. AI operates within the boundaries defined by its programming and data, and it cannot go beyond those limitations without human intervention.
Rather than replacing humans, AI has the potential to complement and amplify human capabilities. By leveraging AI as a tool, individuals can automate repetitive tasks, access and analyse vast amounts of data, and gain insights to make more informed decisions. This collaboration between humans and AI can lead to increased efficiency, productivity, and innovation across various industries.
The main technology platform providers are making AI technologies both affordable and accessible to businesses. ChatGPT is free and is a good way to play around with AI – but don’t underestimate the power and opportunity for its underlying technology based on natural language processing. Microsoft’s 365 platform includes the newly launched Copilot as well as numerous Power Platform tools. Copilot started to be used in Microsoft Edge to enhance browsing and uses ChatGPT language processing, but expands beyond, using other data from emails, transactional systems, chats etc, and is quickly being embedded into other business tools such as Power BI, Business Central and Teams.
So, how can this benefit the waste and recycling sector? This industry tends to have high volumes of transactions, and often involves multiple systems glued together by human input. To begin your journey into AI, I’d suggest starting with Robotic Process Automation (RPA). This is great for automating repetitive tasks using AI technologies – something quite common in the admin-heavy world or waste and recycling. Having that ability, with little technical skill, to automate the processing of data, send out emails, update disparate systems, highlight errors, will only support business growth.
People effectively utilising AI will replace humans who don’t
Sector
A simple example would be using it to match incoming invoices against purchase orders, or send a WhatsApp to your customer to tell them the ETA of the collection service, and allow them to accept or decline this service – updating your system in turn, all with no human input. But this is just the start, AI is able to analyse volumes of data of a size and at a speed that is unimaginable by humans. The ability to use many data sources, spot trends and provide answers to questions not even asked, is where tactical and strategic decision making moves to another scale. Copilot, being embedded in TegosSuite – will provide massive opportunity to increase the speed of business.
AI will not replace individuals. But, people effectively utilizing AI as a tool to replace certain functions or roles will replace humans who don’t. AI is a powerful tool that can augment human capabilities, automate tasks, and provide valuable insights. However, it is the unique qualities and skills possessed by humans, such as critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence, that are irreplaceable. By embracing AI as a tool and leveraging its potential, individuals can enhance their productivity and decision-making, leading to a more collaborative and productive future. And, to reflect on the examples of the demise of Kodak, Blockbuster, Nokia etc. we should seriously consider the title of this piece, AI Will Not Replace You, a Person Using AI Will Replace You!
For help in bringing AI into your recycling organisation, contact www.tegos.eu
Subscribe for free