There is general optimism that smart machines will deliver more growth than damages to their relative industries so long as corporations exercise intensive care in how these smart devices are introduced. Creating a form of artificial intelligence will be the most significant transformation in human history, but it might also be the last technological advancement of the human race.

We live in a world today where self-driving cars and intelligent assistants to autonomous military weapons exist, and the effects of these sophisticated automations cannot be denied. Industry giants like Google have spent millions of dollars in trying to acquire AI (artificial intelligence) and start-ups with robotics. Financial marketing experts agree that in the near future, artificial intelligence will play a huge role in our daily lives.

What Are Smart Devices?

A smart machine should be able to perform a few things while meeting specific criteria. It should enable people to do things that are perceived to be a person’s job (instead of a machine), and the functions of the machine must surprise the users by attempting to do things that were considered impossible.

Google’s self-driving car is the perfect example of “brute force” computation that performs tasks, while other smart devices may detect novelties, adapt to varying situations and look for data. This does not mean that one is better than the other; it simply means that both machines are designed for specific tasks that may be very different from each other in nature. To understand this, smart devices and machines can be categorized into three classifications: Doers, Movers and Sages.

MOVERS – these can be termed as autonomous robotic machines that can move objects from one location to the other, without the intervention of any human.
DOERS – these devices use cameras, sensors, and machines, learning which enables them to perform complex assignments like manipulating small objects or handling and scheduling of work.
SAGES – these are information-based devices that act as helpers that completely rely on context and their familiarity with their users’ patterns and surroundings to come up with recommendations or better options.

What are The Impacts?

Smart devices are expected to impact all industries in the near future. While regulatory issues and legal breaches may still remain as inhibitors, it will take a substantial amount of time to build up a knowledge base that is complex and robust enough for Sages to become helpful at a large scale.

What we need to understand is that this shift will not be a new release or feature, it will be an entirely new method of technology and people working hand in hand. This could mean a great number of progressive advancements in human productivity, freeing up a huge chunk for leisure time. On the other hand, it could effectively lead to a higher percentage of unemployment and social unrest. The actual truth that predicts just how beneficial or detrimental these can be depends on what changes they are bringing about.

• Machines can considerably replace people in many jobs (e.g. forklift drivers)
• They can assist people (e.g. carriers of heavy equipment)
• Smart devices can effectively advise people
• They can help and observe people
• They can also conceivably extend people (e.g. Google Glass)

What Should Be Done?

It is highly advisable for individuals and businesses alike to comprehensively explore smart devices now, before they get even more advanced. To benefit from a smart device revolution, your business needs to become smart about their usage and to focus on I.T. leadership, instead of just management. You can engage your business by creating a smart device investigative initiative to explore where and how you should proceed. Above all, respect the impact that these smart machines have on people because the outcome of software and robotic usage in people’s work is intended to make their respective career paths more enjoyable.