Microsoft: AI predictions for the future
Microsoft has released predictions for AI for the next decade written by 17 women in tech who work at Microsoft. The predictions call attention to the issue of inclusion in AI. For example, by 2020 there will be 1.4 million computing jobs in the US but just 400,000 qualified applicants to fill them. Since only 12% of computer science graduates are women, those jobs will not be held by women unless we change the trajectory for diversity and inclusion in AI.
The predictions from Microsoft, by country are as follows:
China
In 2027, data analytics and visualization will enable cross-data interactions and allow people to use natural language interactions to obtain in-depth information. Computers will have highly developed imaging capabilities that will empower technology to help with vision-related tasks in finance and security.
US
In 2027, in agriculture, AI will play a role in improving farming practices in the face of climate change, sought and disasters and food security will be improved by AI. AI driven DNA storage drives will be a commercial reality as will improved eye displays for better augmented reality. We will have systems that we trust that know us well enough to predict our needs. Interactions with humans and machines will be more accurate and meaningful. Automation will give rise to a new economy where our societal contributions will come from data we generate and economists will be looking at compensation models based on contributions to society. Social sciences will play a role in developing technology and public policy for a new type of safety net. We will develop entirely new industries and sectors based on AI achievements in agriculture, energy, materials and computing. Diversity will be part of the AI of the future.
UK
By 2027, encrypted forms of data will rule, particularly in medical fields with machine learning. All children will be able to code and AI will play a role in enabling that.
India
Language will come a long way in AI, allowing improved reasoning and communication and adaptation to social situations, negotiating, debating and persuading and AI will be coded in a socio-culturally aware way.