Building intelligent things: Research and Development in AI-powered IoT

AI is poised to deliver true personalization at scale, transforming industries from finance to agriculture. Instead of one-size-fits-all solutions, businesses can now craft “1-to-1 generative experiences”, tailoring content, services, and recommendations to individual users. AI-driven personalization could soon mean that every interaction—from shopping to healthcare—feels uniquely designed.

While AI brings convenience, it also introduces serious risks in misinformation, security, and privacy. People increasingly “ChatGPT it” instead of fact-checking, despite AI’s tendency to generate false or misleading information. The growing reliance on AI-generated content could lead to a “zombie internet”, where bots and algorithms flood the web with low-quality material. AI’s ability to clone voices and manipulate information also raises ethical concerns, making critical thinking more important than ever.

Many companies rush to adopt AI without fully understanding its costs and limitations. As one speaker put it, “Don’t buy a GPU until you have product-market fit”, emphasizing the need to validate AI applications before making costly investments. Instead of building expensive custom models, businesses should leverage existing AI platforms and use low-cost experimentation to test ideas. This approach ensures that AI solutions align with real-world needs rather than becoming over-engineered tech with no demand.

AI is transforming the job market by automating tedious tasks, freeing up designers, engineers, and other professionals to focus on creative and strategic work. Tools like generative design can handle production-level adjustments, such as resizing images or refining color schemes, while AI-assisted coding accelerates engineering workflows. However, as AI becomes more prevalent, the value of human taste and expertise will grow. Skilled creators who can curate, refine, and guide AI outputs will remain indispensable. Staying relevant in an AI-driven workforce requires understanding how to collaborate with AI, ensuring that human creativity and decision-making remain at the forefront.

AI is advancing rapidly, outpacing the ability of regulators to keep up, raising concerns about accountability and ethics. Today, people increasingly turn to AI instead of traditional search engines like Google for general information, making it crucial that the information remains objective and free from the influence of corporate agendas. As AI systems grow more autonomous and capable of generating responses beyond human comprehension, transparent governance and ethical oversight become even more critical. Without proper frameworks, AI could be used to manipulate users, reinforce biases, or undermine human autonomy. Ensuring AI serves the public good requires a commitment to safety, fairness, and accountability.