Artificial intelligence (AI) is undeniably one of the most transformative technologies of our time, with applications across industries from medical research to self-driving cars.
AI has huge market potential, expected to grow from $40 billion in 2022 to more than $1.3 trillion by the end of the century.
Popular AI programs such as Open AI's ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, and Snapchat's My AI have expanded the public's imagination of this technology and its vast potential. However, the technology also has controversial aspects, with concerns that AI could cause millions to lose their jobs or reveal signs of unconscious bias against minority groups.
Understandably, some people fear the rapid advances being made in AI.
While AI has obvious flaws, we must remember that the technology is still in its early stages of development.
I firmly believe that in the next few years, many of the negative connotations currently associated with AI will be merely early hiccups confined to the history books.
Another thing to keep in mind is that what really matters is how people use new technologies. For example, the invention of the automobile in the late 1800s fundamentally changed how humans got from point A to point B, and is an innovation that still plays a key role in modern society.
But dangerous driving can reveal a dark side to your car.
I expect the same thing to happen with AI: there will be cases where people will use the technology for the wrong reasons, but overall, I expect AI to have a positive impact on our lives over the coming decades.
In my view, if used responsibly, AI can be a positive force for human civilization, especially innovations like AI-powered speech translation, which have the potential to break down language barriers and ultimately connect people of all languages.
Take for example non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that use AI translation. With only 17% of the world's population speaking English, it can be very challenging to understand and help people around the world with limited resources. AI translation services can enable NGOs, businesses, and institutions with limited budgets to have new ways to communicate in a cost-effective manner.
AI can understand and translate different languages, accents, and dialects in real time, allowing you to access information even if you don't understand the speaker's language.
AI speech translation is easy to implement, and the technology can accommodate multiple languages in a single meeting, allowing everyone to understand and participate in any event around the world, gain new knowledge, and build new relationships.
For example, AI can enable schools, universities and NGOs to deliver inspiration and knowledge to every corner of the world, making lectures available to everyone in the language of their choice.
AI speech translation will also transform the global business environment. Multinational companies with employees across the world may need to communicate in 12 different languages. Most people cannot speak all of these languages, and as a result, a company's global corporate culture may feel fragmented.
But this technology makes it possible for all international employees to understand and communicate with each other.
Considering the wide range of use cases for AI speech translation software, I think it’s fair to say that AI has the potential to bring people and businesses together, rather than creating division and social problems.
Of course, for AI to become and remain a force for good, companies need to take several steps. First, they need to be clear about how they are using AI and communicate the benefits of the technology to all stakeholders.
People are naturally fearful and hesitant about change, so it's important to be open and transparent about this technology.
But as companies develop and deploy AI solutions, they need to set clear guidelines to ensure the technology is applied and used ethically so that everyone can benefit from AI.
About the Author
Oddmund Braaten is CEO of Interprefy, a multilingual event technology and services provider. Interprefy is the world's leading provider of live translation solutions and services for events and conferences. The company offers remote simultaneous interpretation, AI-powered speech translation and subtitling technology and services, enabling customers to communicate in their preferred language.
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