Applying AI to the real world, with a human centric future
I want you to imagine intelligence as a multi-layered model. Within it, lie layers of abstraction, each a steppingstone to a deeper understanding of the world. Thoughts become words, words become sentences, sentences become ideas, and ideas merge into complex concepts. This is not unlike the hidden layers of neural networks upon which artificial intelligence (AI) thrives or the layers above the human nucleus. It’s how human intelligence and identity have evolved, building upon one generation after another.
At CGI, we view AI as the next layer of abstraction in understanding the world, but AI’s rapid progress can feel frightening. We see the dominance of predators in nature and worry that AI might inherit that drive. However, the nature of information and knowledge is fundamentally different. It seeks to grow and build upon itself, not conquer.
This concept fills me with optimism, and, dare I say, hope.
Humans and AI
Humanity, with its emotional depth, stochastic behavior, and capacity for creating new patterns when there are none, will leverage AI's superior pattern recognition and creation abilities to gain a richer context of our place in the Universe. This added abstraction layer will make us stronger and faster and give us a deeper cosmic perspective.
This dance of abstraction is a continuous rhythmic process. Just as modern humans built upon the foundation of earlier, more primitive forms of intelligence, so will AI and the layers that inevitably follow. With our inherent chaos and unpredictability, we are the architects of this new AI layer, setting stones—one at a time—onto fractal paths coursing through the Universe. Our struggle for survival and the knowledge passed down through generations have fuelled the creation of AI, a layer not of flesh and bone but of silicon and energy.
The future holds great potential for this symbiotic relationship. By embracing AI as a dancing partner in understanding, we can unlock a future where humans and AI work together.
Tomorrow’s AI realities
Although we can gain insights by closely observing our world, no one can truly predict the future of AI, but we can analyse the patterns that will shape its path.
So, what can we learn from these patterns today?
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Responsible AI: AI has started transforming and disrupting various industries, creating opportunities for good. However, it comes with risks, such as privacy infringement, cultural biases, and security vulnerabilities, that could result in loss of trust, potential brand image impacts or lawsuits. As such, we suggest adopting scientific rigor combined with responsible, human-centric principles and values
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Data management: As the amount of data grows exponentially, it will fuel the growing capability of our models and solutions. Access to automated, high quality data management will further sustain early successes
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Advancing technology: The development of computing power, edge computing, 5G (and beyond), and accessibility for existing and new devices will propel AI applications further. The AI of Things (AIOT) will likely be a reality, even if under a different name
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AI talent: The current transformation is being driven by the existing AI talent pool and newly upskilled employees who have readily embraced this technology. To sustain this growth in such a highly competitive AI talent environment, we should search for talent in unexpected places and create environments that support continuous learning
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Ecosystems: Within a few years, the capabilities of foundation models will exceed most human capabilities. At that point, AI systems will be multi-modal, multi-model, and multi-cognitive, requiring an ecosystem of capabilities and partners to align their use with human agency
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Regulation: While AI regulations lag in certain jurisdictions, they will continue to emerge and have global implications. Automated compliance management will be critical to our shorter value delivery cycles, and alignment with human agency will be achieved only through checks and balances provided by humans and AI agents
Building fortitude and a human-centric future
To establish a strong foundation for these likely upcoming changes, we recommend starting with the responsible and effective use of AI governed by a custom framework that provides a comprehensive understanding of the technology’s capabilities and limitations. This understanding should be grounded in strategic intent that aligns with the values of the organisation, society, and relevant jurisdictions.
Guardrails and methodologies should be put in place to achieve trustworthy outcomes that incorporate explainability, transparency, and accuracy feedback. It is also essential to prioritize human-centred design that incorporates human experience, business expertise, and data expertise in designing and validating today’s AI models and outcomes. This should be done in an agile, iterative, collaborative, and adaptive manner under an enterprise-wide AI governance umbrella.
From a technical perspective, the use of flexible, multi-model, hybrid architectures will provide options to the enterprise and enable it to evolve with the technology, decentralizing and reducing over-dependence on any given vendor. Finally, combining ROI-based quick wins with investments in longer-term big wins should continue to justify the short-term investments required to sustain the growth of AI-based solutions.
CGI has more than 30 years of experience in leading transformations and designing and implementing AI solutions that prioritise human needs. Our approach to AI is grounded in scientific rigor to ensure trustworthy outcomes. We help our clients navigate uncertainties, create value with AI responsibly, and shape a human-centric future by analysing patterns and trends.
If you're interested in discovering more about CGI's implemented AI solutions, such as using AI to inspect photovoltaic plants or to predict water pollution, read our AI client stories or view our AI page here.
Feel free to contact me or my colleague Russell Goodenough, Head of AI - CGI UK, to continue the discussion.
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techUK – Unleashing UK Tech and Innovation
The UK is home to emerging technologies that have the power to revolutionise entire industries. From quantum to semiconductors; from gaming to the New Space Economy, they all have the unique opportunity to help prepare for what comes next.
techUK members lead the development of these technologies. Together we are working with Government and other stakeholders to address tech innovation priorities and build an innovation ecosystem that will benefit people, society, economy and the planet - and unleash the UK as a global leader in tech and innovation.
For more information, or to get in touch, please visit our Innovation Hub and click ‘contact us’.
Upcoming events:
A Black Lens: Exploring Representation In The Future of Extended Reality (XR)
London
Latest news and insights:
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Sign-up to get the latest updates and opportunities from our Technology and Innovation and AI programmes.
Learn more about our Unleashing Innovation campaign:
Sprint Campaigns
techUK's sprint campaigns explore how emerging and transformative technologies are developed, applied and commercialised across the UK's innovation ecosystem.
Activity includes workshops, roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, and flagship reports (setting out recommendations for Government and industry).
Each campaign runs for 4-6 months and features regular collaborations with programmes across techUK.
This campaign explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of space technologies and ultimately realise the benefits of the New Space Economy.
These technologies include AI, quantum, lasers, robotics & automation, advanced propulsion and materials, and semiconductors.
Activity has taken the form of roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, thought leadership pieces, policy recommendations, and a report.
Get in touch below to find out more about techUK's ongoing work in this area.
Event round-ups
Report
Insights
Get in touch
Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.
Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.
Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse.
This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/
This campaign has explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of the technologies set to underpin the Gaming & Esports sector of the future.
These include AI, augmented / virtual / mixed / extended reality, haptics, cloud & edge computing, semiconductors, and advanced connectivity (5/6G).
Activity has taken the form of roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, and thought leadership pieces. A report featuring member case studies and policy recommendations is currently being produced (to be launched in September 2024).
Get in touch below to find out more about contributing to or collaborating on this campaign.
Report
Event round-ups
Insights
Get in touch
Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.
Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.
Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse.
This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/
Running from July to December 2024, this campaign will explore how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of web3 and immersive technologies.
These include blockchain, smart contracts, digital assets, augmented / virtual / mixed / extended reality, spatial computing, haptics and holograms.
Activity will take the form of roundtables, workshops, panel discussions, networking sessions, tech demos, Summits, thought leadership pieces, policy recommendations, and reports.
Get in touch below to find out more about contributing to or collaborating on this campaign.
Upcoming events
Event round-ups
Guest insights
Get in touch
Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.
Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.
Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse.
This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/
Campaign Weeks
Our annual Campaign Weeks enable techUK members to explore how the UK can lead on the development and application of emerging and transformative technologies.
Members do this by contributing blogs or vlogs, speaking at events, and highlighting examples of best practice within the UK's tech sector.
Summits
Tech and Innovation Summit 2023
Tech and Innovation Summit 2024
Laura Foster
Laura Foster
Laura is techUK’s Associate Director for Technology and Innovation.
She supports the application and expansion of emerging technologies, including Quantum Computing, High-Performance Computing, AR/VR/XR and Edge technologies, across the UK. As part of this, she works alongside techUK members and UK Government to champion long-term and sustainable innovation policy that will ensure the UK is a pioneer in science and technology
Before joining techUK, Laura worked internationally as a conference researcher and producer covering enterprise adoption of emerging technologies. This included being part of the strategic team at London Tech Week.
Laura has a degree in History (BA Hons) from Durham University, focussing on regional social history. Outside of work she loves reading, travelling and supporting rugby team St. Helens, where she is from.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- www.linkedin.com/in/lauraalicefoster
Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.
Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.
Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse.
This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/
