AI has always had a way of capturing our imaginations, often as the catalyst of a dystopian future. From the malevolent Skynet in Terminator to the perplexing HAL 9000 in 2001: A Space Odyssey, pop culture has been quick to paint an unflattering picture of AI.
But how much of this cinematic drama reflects reality? While we might not be on the brink of an AI apocalypse, the technology’s impact on our everyday lives and industries is becoming increasingly hard to ignore.
So, let’s peel back the layers of fear and fascination and see what AI can bring to the table for Health and Safety.
What even is AI?
If you’re not a tech connoisseur, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about. In its simplest terms, artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems designed to perform tasks that would normally require human intelligence. This can include anything from learning, reasoning, problem-solving, to understanding natural language.
Imagine the AI revolution as a modern-day space race—only instead of reaching for the stars, we're reaching for smarter, more efficient ways to manage and interpret data. Just as the space race drove technological innovation, AI is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in technology, and consequently transforming the present-day work environment.