The COVID-19 pandemic is boosting demand for cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI), according to a new whitepaper from ABI Research.
With nearly of half of the world’s population in full or partial lockdown, global internet traffic has increased and many offline activities and transactions have shifted to online platforms.
Cloud-Based AI In A Post-COVID-19 World examines how the crisis is driving demand for fully scalable, flexible and secure cloud services, and explores how cloud AI in particular will play a “critical role” in the transformation of three key sectors – warehousing and logistics, conversational AI and healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
“Warehousing and logistics have been particularly hard hit in recent months,” commented Lian Jye Su, principal analyst at ABI Research. “Before the outbreak, the continued growth of the e-commerce market and increasing customer expectations already placed enormous pressures on warehouses to execute more rapid and flexible deliveries. COVID-19 has caused further disruption.”
Logistics companies need to evaluate options and model changes across modes of transportation, taking into consideration possible interruptions, delays and significant price increases. AI-enabled supply chain solutions are becoming imperative for warehouses that rely on speed, efficiency and intelligence to remain competitive, the tech market advisory firm said.
Cloud AI is also enabling businesses to make the most of conversational AI, for example in resolving tickets, addressing questions regarding availability and pricing, and aiding with complex issues.
And when it comes to healthcare, AI tools are helping to detect the virus, diagnose its evolution, project its future and help find a vaccine.
“In the short term, cloud AI enables better remote visibility and maintenance, as well as less travel to facilities; mid term, it promotes data-driven decision-making; long term, it is the cornerstone for many emerging key technologies and strong business fundamentals,” Su concluded.
To read more about how AI and other advanced technologies coupled with superfast, always on, ubiquitous connectivity will transform key business sectors, download your free copy of our Next-generation connectivity report.
Tags: AI, Artificial Intelligence
