Artificial intelligence

Definition

Artificial intelligence (abbreviated AI) is the transfer of human intelligence to machines. Artificial intelligence thus replicates human characteristics such as logical thinking, planning and communication. AI systems can learn independently from data sets, recognize correlations from them, and derive conclusions or decisions.

Forms of Artificial Intelligence

Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence that deals with the development of models for machines to learn independently from data and make predictions on their own. In this area of Artificial Intelligence, patterns in the data are to be recognized and predictions made from them by the AI. 

Deep learning also belongs to the field of artificial intelligence. This form of AI is subordinate to machine learning and deals with complex networks. In large data sets, this subfield of artificial intelligence can recognize patterns and independently improve the structure within them. This method is often considered the most important in the field of Artificial Intelligence, because due to the replication of human cognitive abilities, AI systems can solve complex issues.

Artificial Intelligence Research and Influences

Artificial intelligence not only provides insights that are relevant to other research areas, such as neuroinformatics. In the study of AI itself, the results and experiences from other sciences are also included. These include mathematics or logic as well as neuroscience, psychology, communication science, or linguistics. Finally, AI corresponds to an open space for research that brings diverse disciplines into a context, even if they do not have this context by themselves.

Everyday examples of artificial intelligence

The areas of application for AI are diverse. Artificial intelligence is widespread in everyday life in particular, even if one might not assume it directly. Virtual assistants and chatbots are therefore the most obvious. But search engines, translation tools, Google Maps and facial recognition on smartphones also use artificial intelligence. Autonomous driving and virtual or augmented reality will also be made possible by AI and will be indispensable in the future. 

Special application area of artificial intelligence: food retailing 

An important area of application for artificial intelligence is food retailing. Here, AI can be used, for example, for order automation and order optimization of food quantities. Artificial intelligence in food retailing creates a whole range of benefits such as:

• an optimal availability of goods
• a returns optimization
• a more sustainable production 
• reduce food waste

This also improves logistics as well as the efficiency of production planning along the supply chain. 

What significance does artificial intelligence have for SMEs?

Artificial intelligence has become an important tool for SMEs to increase their competitiveness. AI technologies enable these companies to optimize their business processes, reduce costs and tap into new business opportunities. By using AI, SMEs can increase their efficiency and react more quickly to constantly changing market requirements. The areas of application are diverse and include automated accounting, predictive maintenance of machines, intelligent customer service solutions and personalized marketing strategies. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions are particularly attractive for SMEs because they are not only cost-effective but also easy to implement. 

Examples of the use of AI in SMEs

There are numerous examples of the successful use of AI in SMEs. A company in the manufacturing industry, for example, could use AI-controlled robots to optimize the production line and carry out quality checks. In the retail sector, medium-sized retailers could use AI-supported systems for inventory management that analyze sales data and create a sales forecast to avoid overstocking or understocking. Another use case is the use of chatbots in customer service, which are available around the clock and answer frequent customer queries efficiently, thereby relieving the burden on human employees. 

How is AI used in the food sector?

In the food sector, artificial intelligence offers a wide range of potential applications, from production and the supply chain to sales.

• In agriculture, AI systems help to monitor and optimize harvesting processes through the use of drones and sensors that analyze soil quality and weather conditions.
• In food processing, AI algorithms can improve quality assurance by monitoring production data in real time and detecting deviations immediately.
• In retail, AI-based analyses enable a more precise prediction of purchasing behaviour and a personalized approach to customers, which leads to better stock management and increased sales figures. 
• AI also plays a key role in reducing food waste: precise stock and demand forecasts can prevent overstocking and therefore food waste by ensuring the optimum availability of goods.