Ways in which Artificial Intelligence is making the world a better place.

A professor from ESEG – Faculdade do Grupo Etapa – discusses technology and its various applications.

For several years, companies and industries in general have been adapting due to technology. With the pandemic, some sectors were boosted, such as e-commerce and telemedicine. However, many more changes are still emerging based on Artificial Intelligence (AI). According to the Modern Consumer Digital Forum, more than 701,300 Brazilian companies already use Artificial Intelligence in some way in their processes. Therefore, ESEG – Faculdade do Grupo Etapa – bases its curriculum on AI in all its courses.

AI has been studied since 1956 and was initially called intelligent agents. Through learning from database analysis, Artificial Intelligence is capable of making assertive decisions autonomously. “We need to look at AI as a collaborative technology for humans and not as a method that will replace human work. With Artificial Intelligence, we can be more productive, creative, and innovative,” states Marcelo Dias, professor and general coordinator of the undergraduate program at ESEG.

“Due to the increased potential of professionals knowledgeable in this tool, ESEG understands that it's not only computer engineers who need to understand how AI works. The curriculum for our students in Business Administration, Law, Economics, and Production Engineering is also based on Artificial Intelligence, with our own laboratory dedicated to these projects,” explains the professor.

Contrary to popular belief, AI isn't just in self-driving cars, robots, and computers; it's also in social media, the internet, and the antivirus software we use. Furthermore, the technology can be found in supermarkets, medicine, and agriculture.

Retail

According to a report by Juniper Research, investments in Artificial Intelligence in the retail sector will exceed $7 billion in 2022. One of the reasons is the increase in e-commerce consumption. Another important factor is that this technology helps in attracting and retaining customers as it can customize offers for each individual.

More precise medicine

AI makes diagnoses more accurate because it can compare results from similar tests by cross-referencing millions of data points. Software can provide reliable medical recommendations thanks to machine learning capabilities, which use complex algorithms to verify medical findings and detect abnormalities. This is in addition to chatbot assistance available before scheduling an appointment or speaking with a doctor.

Cybersecurity

Initiatives that protect people and businesses from cyberattacks are increasingly necessary. AI and technologies such as tokens, biometrics, and facial recognition are making the digital world safer. The demand for protection grows as the amount of information circulating in the cloud and the number of servers being activated increases.

Precision agriculture

AI contributes to the development of tools and technologies capable of increasing the efficiency of agricultural production and, consequently, the planet's ability to feed the population. Agricultural management systems can increase the competitiveness of farms, anticipate crop variability, and determine the right time to use inputs and pesticides, for example.

Digital Law

Robots capable of making autonomous decisions are already a reality. Thus, machines can assist lawyers in studying cases, storing data, and acting as operational support for legal analyses.

Logistics

With Artificial Intelligence, it's possible to identify a company's vehicles and monitor them, whether for maintenance or to identify the best delivery route. Furthermore, the technology helps with the proper storage of products and makes identification of their storage location precise and quick.

“"Learning tools related to Artificial Intelligence strengthens the training of various undergraduate programs and makes professionals better prepared to solve complex problems," concludes Professor Marcelo Dias.