The Products of
The Not-So-Scary Era of AI
> The phrase “ artificial intelligence ” carries different meanings to different people . For the layperson confronted with these two words , however , reactions can be a mix of apprehension and sci-fi fantasies . The truth is , many of us have already had experiences with artificial intelligence — we just didn ’ t realize it . Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) doesn ’ t always refer to the development of robotic beings . Instead , the phrase more commonly refers to computing systems and algorithms that work more like a utility — data processing platforms that can help humans access necessary data more readily . Perhaps one of the most widely used examples of the use of artificial intelligence is Google . The search platform is founded on a system of AI-based algorithms that are capable of gaining valuable insight into what end users are searching . The algorithms then provide more accurate and focused results . Based on Google ’ s 12.1 billion daily search queries , the search platform is capable of gathering and utilizing a tremendous set of data every single day . Although the data processing power Google represents is staggering , its applications bear tremendous promise in our daily personal and work lives .
SMARTER APPLICATIONS In terms of the business world , intelligent algorithms represent not the opportunity to replace human intelligence , but to supplement it . Looking again at Google , the more information the algorithms take in , the better they can contextualize the circumstances surrounding the user . In medicine , artificially intelligent platforms can make diagnoses based on input from former cases , speeding the diagnostic process and developing more specific treatments for patients . For teachers , artificially intelligent translation software provides near-immediate translations that make any subject approachable to students of any cultural or national background . And in the business world , the ability to leverage , sort , and graph tremendous sets of data in a fraction of the time can result in better decision-making and business leadership .
We have only seen the tip of the iceberg , but the dawn of the AI age represents a new era of learning and living for humans . As AI improves , the intellectual bounds of the human mind will be pushed further , opening new possibilities for innovation . Just as high-speed Internet and other utilities have reshaped our world , AI platforms could usher in a movement of working smarter , not harder .
The Products of
Working Environments
Since the early 1990s , the U . S . Green Building Council ’ s Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design ( LEED ) program has sought to recognize companies who adhere to industry-leading practices for sustainable building . Outwardly , this system of Silver , Gold , and Platinum ratings may appear to simply reward those who build or renovate structures with attention to the environment . As more corporations and large-scale employers have adhered to LEED standards , new benefits are being realized . Employers working in LEED-certified buildings show improved productivity , workforce engagement , and satisfaction that results in loyalty . When compared to traditional office environments , LEED offers advantages , including :
Î10-25 Î % IMPROVEMENT IN MEMORY RECALL AND MENTAL FUNCTION FOR EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE A VIEW OF THE OUTDOORS COMPARED TO THOSE WHO DO NOT
ÎREDUCTIONS Î
OF COMMUNICABLE RESPIRATORY DISEASES OF 9-20 %; ALLERGIES AND ASTHMA OF 18-25 %; AND NON-SPECIFIC HEALTH AND DISCOM- FORT EFFECTS OF 20-50 % IN BUILDING RETROFITS INTENDED TO IMPROVE INDOOR ENVIRONMENTS .
The benefits of healthier , enthusiastic , and engaged workers affect more than just the bottom line . In an age when employees are becoming more and more selective about where and with whom they choose to practice their craft , a greater emphasis has been placed on meeting the human needs of employees . This key principle forms the value proposition for LEED-certified commercial construction . In short , we humans spend an average of 90 % of our lives indoors . For the hours we spend in the office , don ’ t we deserve to work in settings that maximize exposure to natural light and views of the outdoors , promote our individual and overall health , and enhance productivity ? Gradually , the answer is transitioning from skepticism to a resounding “ yes .”
Read more about the financial and cost-savings benefits of LEED in business on page 3 .
CONNECT TECHNOLOGY SUMMER 2015 // SNB . COM | 19