Why Developers Should Pay Attention To Cognitive Computing

Recently, I spoke on the Emerging Tech Trends of 2017 and Beyond and discussed technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, augmented and virtual reality, Internet of Things, and drones. All these emerging technologies bring new opportunities for developers. How large are these opportunities?

Check out the following list.

As you can clearly see from the above list, the IoT market is expected to grow tenfold by 2030. Augmented reality is another big opportunity for developers. Check out Allen O'Neill's article RealityX - An Opportunity You Should Not Ignore.

One more emerging technology that is on the rise is cognitive computing.

Today, the study of the human brain and human behavior seems to be center of attention for most of innovation companies. Cognitive computing is a discipline of computer science that involves working with the human brain and building platforms for human interaction with computers using machine learning. Cognitive technology is artificial intelligence and machine learning based platforms and systems that use human interaction including vision, speech, language, and knowledge.

Major technology companies are focusing on cognitive technology and as a matter of fact, several of them already have products, services, and APIs around cognitive technology. Check out Top Cognitive Services for Developers to learn more.

So, why should you care about cognitive technology? Let me explain.

#1. Intelligent Systems are on the rise.

Today, we want to build intelligent systems. Systems that can make decisions for human. Systems that can learn and adopt human behavior. AI is becoming a part of hardware chips. Microsoft just announced the next iteration of its HoloLens’s HPU has built-in AI coprocessor in it.

#2. AI Assistants are becoming household accessories.

Artificial intelligence enabled speakers and systems are on the rise. Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Microsoft Cortana enabled speakers are already making headlines.

Amazon Echo was the first AI-assisted speaker that has changed the way we search the Internet. Today, Alexa has become a household assistant. According to a report, Amazon has sold 11 million Echo speakers. Another report suggests that 24 million Amazon Echo and Google Home devices will be sold in 2017.

#3. Job numbers say it all.

According to a research published by Forrester, cognitive computing will replace 16% of jobs and will create 9% of new jobs. That is a loss of 7% of the jobs in United States. From the report:

“By 2021, a disruptive tidal wave will begin. Solutions powered by AI/cognitive technology will displace jobs, with the biggest impact felt in transportation, logistics, customer service, and consumer services,” says Forrester VP Brian Hopkins.

Summary

Job numbers alone should be enough for you to get interested in artificial intelligence and cognitive technology. While cognitive technology is expected to destroy some jobs, it will definitely create some new jobs.