Artificial Intelligence – How To Utilise AI In SME’s

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a popular topic across the world as the concept of the simulation of human intelligent behavior in computers is a fascinating one. The development of AI has already shifted many peoples lives through technology such as speech and facial recognition, chat bots and security surveillance.

The usage of AI in business is rapidly on the increase, with many companies introducing this technology to utilise their existing services. Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzō Abe has recently stated his urge to use AI and robotic technologies as part of his governments economic growth strategy to further increase productivity among the current aging population.

“Japan has no fear of AI. Machines will snatch away jobs? Such worries are not known to Japan. Japan aims to be the very first to prove that growth is possible through innovation, even when a population declines,” The prime minister spoke at CeBIT technology trade show in Germany about his future government strategies and how . This attitude has led to Japan being at the forefront of the development of robotics and making a strong headway against competitors in the development of this technology such as the USA and China.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN JAPANESE SME’S

Nanbu Bijin Co. an award winning sake brewery located in Ninohe, Iwate Prefecture is utilising the use of AI to produce the optimal yield for his business. Company president Kosuke Kuji stated that “We would like to develop AI to partner with our workers to help resolve the manpower shortage”. The particular usage of artificial intelligence that Nanbu Bijin have invested in includes a technology that will monitor the water absorption rate of the rice and obtain the best time to drain the water before steaming the rice.

Traditionally, this process was assigned to head brewers who timed the rice manually. Through generations of experience and relying upon specialists and their intuition, the desired taste of Nanbu Bijin sake was created.

The usage of this technology means that images of the water absorption process will be captured every few seconds and the data can be accumulated for analysis. This technology will support the drop of master brewers in the area by 25% in the last 10 years due to retirement.

“It takes a long time to foster skillful workers. If we complete this AI tool, we can engage in making even better sake because the tool will be applicable at any brewery” Kosuke Kuji.

FREE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE COURSE FOR EVERYONE

With the increase of AI in businesses, people are becoming more interested in what it actually involves and how it can help them in the future. Helsinki University in Finland have recently developed a free online course available for anybody with an interest in the technology, that will educate users on the real possibilities of using AI and debunk any myths or mystery surrounding the possibilities of the technology.

The course has already gained a wave of popularity across the world due to its free cost and ease of access. Users aged from 18-75, with professions from professors to the unemployed have signed up to the course that lasts around six weeks. Topics included within the course include solving problems with AI, how AI can be used within the real world as well as the implications of using AI.

Overall, there is no way of ignoring the development of Artificial Intelligence within the world. From everyday conveniences such as your email provider filtering out spam emails to Audi developing self driving cars within the next year. With the help of AI, business of all sizes are able to take advantage of all that this technology can offer them from easier payment methods to extreme product development. Artificial Intelligence is not just for the leading companies but can be instrumental to SME’s.