In 2024, Artificial Intelligence continued a rapid evolution and integration across various sectors. The influence of AI was felt most notably in industries from customer service and health care, and Manufactoring. We also witnessed the growing societal and ethical implications of these advancements, with governments, businesses, and individuals grappling with how to best integrate AI into daily life. The world, and the technology is primed for a wild ride on what is next. AI 2024 is past tense for AI heading into 2025.
Healthcare and Medicine
One of the most significant developments in AI during 2024 was its integration into healthcare. AI-powered tools made strides in diagnostics, treatment planning, and drug discovery, and testing. In diagnostics, machine learning models were increasingly able to detect conditions like cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular diseases earlier and with greater accuracy than ever before. Artificial intelligence was also instrumental in personalized medicine. AI accomplishes this feat by using large datasets to tailor treatments specific to individual patients based on their genetic profiles and medical history.
AI played a larger role in drug discovery and research. Machine learning algorithms were utilized to predict how different chemical compounds might interact with the human body. These interactions speed up the process of finding new treatments for diseases. AI’s predictive capabilities were also used in epidemiology to track and forecast disease outbreaks, allowing for more rapid responses to public health threats.
Automation and Workforce Displacement
Another major theme in 2024 was the accelerating pace of automation across various industries. AI-driven systems were increasingly employed in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, retail, and customer service and business offices. Replacing manual labor with automated solutions that are faster, more precise, and more cost-effective. AI-powered robots streamlined inventory management and order fulfillment. Self-driving technology continued to progress, with more pilot programs for autonomous trucks, delivery vehicles including drones being rolled out. In offices AI is replacing receptionists, assistant positions, and administrative jobs enmasse.
While automation brought about significant efficiencies, it also raised serious concerns about job displacement. Many workers have begun to face the prospect of losing their jobs to AI and robotics. Proponents of automation argue that it could lead to job creation in other areas, such as AI maintenance, programming, and management. The jury is out on who, and things will transition as the abruptness of this technology has the world on edge for what could happen next, and if anything will be done to ease the bumpy ride we have begun to experience.
Ethical Concerns and Regulation
As AI’s influence grew in 2024, so too did the conversation around ethics and regulation. AI-powered systems began to be deployed in areas such as criminal justice, and surveillance, prompting concerns about bias and fairness. Machine learning algorithms, despite their promise, have often perpetuated existing narratives. This has made people question how easy AI is influenced by politics, and other outside forces as AI heads into 2025.
To address these issues, regulators around the world began to consider how best to control AI’s development and implementation. The European Union, for example, moved forward with its AI Act, which aimed to create a framework for regulating AI applications. Some do argue that this act takes a step too far. In the U.S., there are increased calls for intervention. Businesses have started to form ethical guidelines for the use of AI within their companies. While these efforts were a step in the right direction, there was still a long way to go. We need ensure AI is developed and used in ways that promotes fairness, and protects individuals’ rights.
What’s Ahead for AI in 2025: Anticipating the Future
Looking to 2025, AI’s influence is expected to grow even further, AI is moving towards exponential growth and development. Multiple advancements using artificial intelligence are on the horizon that will deepen its integration into society. Several trends are likely to define AI’s role in the coming year, with both opportunities and challenges to navigate.
Expansion of AI in Automation and Industry
The trend toward automation will likely accelerate in 2025, with AI becoming a critical driver of efficiency for manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and business. Smart factories will become more commonplace. The use of AI in agriculture could also expand, with autonomous drones and robots monitoring crops, and harvesting and optimizing farming practices. Healthcare will see AI detecting diseases, in time to save, and change millions of lives for the better. Office spaces can become more efficient; time, and resources will be applied to real world solutions, and service for the better.
As more companies embrace AI for automation, the issue of workforce displacement will continue. While automation could bring about lower production costs and higher efficiency, it could also exacerbate unemployment in certain sectors. The market will adjust, like we saw with the port strikes in 2024/ 2025, the workforce is resisting the incoming revolution. Time will tell, but I believe everything can be okay. AI 2024 is past tense for AI heading into 2025. Stay optimistic, but don’t sleep on this powerful technology, and how it can impact your home and loved ones
