Artificial intelligence’s breakthrough moment probably came last year. Everything suggests that the positive trends will continue throughout 2024 because – as often happens in the world of technology – once a certain barrier has been crossed or development achieved, progress continues in a linear and steady fashion. At least until the next major breakthrough comes along. But are we ready as a society for the arrival of this particular innovation? And do we really understand its potential impact?

Scratching the surface of artificial intelligence

The general public probably thinks artificial intelligence has peaked, especially when it comes to so-called generative artificial intelligence. But it hasn’t. The ability of smart models to generate texts and hold “conversations”, create images or even videos is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of their real capabilities. The true strength of AI truly transcends what you see on the surface today.

The quality of intelligence needed to change the world of technology forever lies in the ability to handle an overwhelming amount of data, analysing, categorising, making decisions and responding autonomously, in accordance with rules set by a previously programmed model – what we refer to as “training” in the industry jargon.

Data-based artificial intelligence in the corporate world

Companies and organisations are already starting to appreciate the opportunities that artificial intelligence could bring. And they’re starting to apply it. Especially through models and AI that have been custom designed to use their own data to perform specific tasks.

This will soon usher in a complete overhaul of the way information is managed and used within companies, as well as changing how they interact with technology and the ways they operate. Many of the most mundane and monotonous office tasks will soon be able to be done faster and better by artificial intelligence, freeing up precious time and resources for other areas.

Governments commit to artificial intelligence

AI’s transformative properties have led governments to invest fervently in the technology as a driver of transformation. In Spain, for example, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez recently revealed plans to invest some €18 billion in developing artificial intelligence in the country, remarks he made at Davos during informal talks with entrepreneurs and investors. Spain’s Minister of Digital Transformation, José Luis Escriva, has also said that investment “won’t just be directed at large companies, but also SMEs and entrepreneurs”.

Artificial intelligence with practically unlimited uses

As well as revolutionising the world of text-based, audiovisual and design content creation, artificial intelligence could soon lead to a paradigm shift in many other areas. Personalised learning models could be introduced in the education sector, with learning support provided by virtual avatars.

In healthcare, by feeding real-world data into AI models, we could graphically reproduce complex systems, such as vascular systems, and predict the occurrence of strokes and blockages based on personalised patient data.

Sharing news articles, preparing and communicating weather forecasts and sports reports, creating podcasts and audiobooks, large-scale production in robotic factories, looking after people with reduced mobility in their homes, smart energy management, better logistics chains when it comes to products and services… think of just about any area of activity, and you can bet your bottom dollar there are plans afoot to either directly or indirectly improve it with the help of artificial intelligence, in one way or another.

Outcomes will greatly depend on the financial resources allocated and the intensity of research and development into specific areas before the general public and everyday users start to appreciate potential applications. But it won’t be long before we all start to integrate artificial intelligence into our daily lives in a completely normal way.