AI can be used in many industries, including sales, healthcare, manufacturing, marketing, and operations. However, AI integration in business requires a workforce capable of managing the technology. Artificial intelligence is still a term that conjures up images of sci-fi thrillers. Although the stigma surrounding dystopian cinema may not have completely dissipated, AI is still used most often in the business world.
We see brands engaging in AI projects to improve their productivity and efficiency. Google, IBM, Salesforce and Facebook are just a few of the many companies that are using AI in their daily operations. Many more are realizing the immense potential of machine learning and AI technology.
Artificial Intelligence and Business Today
SEM Rush reports that AI will bring significant business value to businesses and increase worker capabilities. “In 2021 the increase in AI usage by businesses will generate $2.9 trillion in business value and 6.2 million hours of worker productivity.” AI and machine learning are changing how businesses can engage customers and deliver more quickly.
AI technology can be used in many different industries, including sales, healthcare, HR, manufacturing, marketing, and technology. The most common uses of AI are self-driving cars, other autonomous technology, internetofthings (IOT), medical diagnostics, robotic assistance in manufacturing and contactless shopping. Job candidate selection is another example. There are endless possibilities for businesses. However, to incorporate AI and machine learning technology in business, we need a workforce that can manage the technology.
How can businesses use artificial intelligence?
AI software can be used in many business applications. Despite the movie’s portrayal, AI software has not yet become sentient robots. Instead, it has become a back-office player to help businesses improve efficiency, streamline workflows, and increase productivity.
Personalization: AI technology makes it possible for retailers to make product recommendations based upon past shopping habits.
It can be used by social media platforms to determine what type of content users would like to see.
Amazon uses natural language processing for users to communicate with Alexa.
Netflix, the media streaming giant, is well-known for using AI to create viewing recommendations and dynamically populate content based upon user interests.

Process automation: AI is especially useful for automating certain business processes. This is known as robotic process automation, or RPA. Leading companies like Deloitte and IBM, Microsoft, and LinkedIn use RPA to automate repetitive tasks.
Customer service: Online research and contactless options are now a major part of the purchasing process. Other e-commerce consumer trends such as hyper-personalization, comparison shopping and ease of purchasing has led many companies to embrace AI to enable a streamlined approach to customer service. Artificial intelligence is used to enhance customer service, whether it’s through chatbots or multi-channel experiences. Amazon is one of the companies that has been using AI to improve customer service.
Increase output: Many top companies are using AI and robots to increase their manufacturing processes to produce more output in a shorter time. Forbes reports that Nissan is using AI to create new models in real-time. This will help reduce the time it takes to bring new models to market.
Data analysis: Data analysis is one of the most popular AI applications in today’s business. Google can now perform tasks with AI using predictive analytics and data drawn from multiple sources. Google can now recommend the best time to leave for your flight based on data such as your home address, calendar entries and maps.

What AI means for the worker
AI can evoke negative feelings in workers. Many employees believe that AI is a way to eliminate the human element from their jobs. Forbes reports that 34% of employees believe their jobs will be replaced by 2023. Many people distrust AI because of concerns about job stability. AI systems may eventually eliminate jobs that are based solely on repetitive tasks (such as those in assembly lines), but AI actually has the potential to create more jobs.
One paper by MIT, Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work, discusses the impact of AI.