Artificial Intelligence (AI) is broad branch of computer science related to building smart machines that have the ability of performing tasks, that generally require human intellect. AI is an interdisciplinary science that has various approaches; however, Machine Learning (ML) and deep learning are making a paradigm shift in almost all sectors of the tech industry. Various trends with respect to Artificial Intelligence are set to emerge in 2021.

Here, we look ahead at the future of AI and what are the most likely Artificial Intelligence trends of 2021:

• Hyperautomation: A combination of robotic process automation with AI technologies, hyperautomation is generally talked about as a core aspect of the next wave of digital transformation. The utility and power of automation have been known for long and the COVID-19 pandemic has only made it more visible, as automation has been helpful in smoothing the whole work-from-home model.

• Welcoming the AI of things (AIoT): The AI of things (AIoT) is the combination of Internet of Things (IoT) and AI. In 2021, it is believed that smart technology will get even more smarter. AIoT will enable devices to learn from the data they collate, for example devices will understand what you say instead of sending the data to the cloud to be decoded. Other examples could be the smart office technology identifying who is in office and making decisions on the heating and lighting to save energy or AIoT fridges suggesting recipes depending on the contents inside the fridge.

• Increased use of cybersecurity: As our dependence on technology increases, so does our need for an efficient means of cybersecurity for safety purposes. As such, adoption of AI-powered cybersecurity tools is sure to be one of the leading trends of 2021.

• IT will push AI at a larger scale: In the year 2020, there was a substantial amount of adoption of AI by IT organizations. In 2021, it is expected that organizations will start to see the benefits of executing the ML and AI models and push the same at a large scale.

• AI will become more explainable: AI models are set to turn more transparent. “There will be a bigger focus on explainability” states Dave Lucas, senior director of product at customer data hub Tealium.
• Voice- and language-driven intelligence will gain speed: The increase in the remote working model will lead to a greater adoption of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Automated Speech Recognition (ASR) capabilities, specifically in customer contact centers.

• AI and cloud will turn symbiotic: “Artificial intelligence is going to play a significant part in broader adoption of cloud solutions,” says Rico Burnett, director of client innovation at legal services provider Exigent.

• AI standards and ethics will gain focus: It is expected that expertise and alignment will be delivered on how to ensure that AI is leveraged to fight global problems, guarantee diversity and inclusion, and stimulate economic growth and innovation.

• AI-enabled chips will gain prominence: AI functions require more processing power as compared to non-AI functions. Such continuous growth and accessibility of AI-computing generates a great requirement for more powerful hardware. Thus, the manufacture and supply of AI-enabled chips is set to be another trend in the year 2021. These AI chips will be more efficient and allow the widespread use of AI and automation functions.
While AI is already a part our daily lives, there no universal agreement over its acceptable uses. 2021 is set to be another determinative year for the future of AI programs.