Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been linked to the tech industry by default, however we are now learning that AI is not just limited to computer science and engineering. In fact, AI has the potential to transform a wide range of non-tech related careers through research and innovation.

According to a report by McKinsey Global Institute, AI could potentially create an additional $13 trillion global economic activity by 2023. This is because AI can automate repetitive and mundane tasks, allowing professionals to focus on more complex and strategic work.
Here are some examples of how AI research and innovation is being used in non-tech careers at the University of Florida:
Healthcare: AI is being used to improve patient outcomes by analyzing patient data to identify patterns and predict potential health issues. One example of this is how UF has designed an artificial intelligence system that can predict which patients will develop Alzheimer’s disease up to five years before receiving a diagnosis by using data in electronic health records.

Geology: AI has become a very useful tool in some areas of earth science. Along with diverse data, researchers are putting AI-enabled technology like image processing, smart sensors, and intelligent inversion to the test. UF Assistant professor Mickey Mackie is using AI to improve sea level rise predictions with the help of machine learning. There are larges gaps in data where we have no idea what the bed elevation looks like. By using AI, she can look at conditions beneath ice sheets and glaciers to gain a glimpse into projected sea level rise which will allow geologists to respond to changes faster. In an interview with Nicci Brown professor Mickey stated the state of Florida has the most to lose when sea level rises so it’s important to study glaciers here in Florida.

Marketing: AI is being used to analyze consumer behavior and perceptions targeted marketing campaigns, such as AI powered chatbots. Organizations are adopting these live-chat systems that employ either human agents or AI driven conversational agents. How consumers perceive these live-chat conversations is important to understand. Tom Kelleher an advertising professor at UF, used AI to develop a way to measure consumer perceptions of these interactions. The research team focused on humanness, or perception of how human-like these live chat interactions are. Their research showed the importance of human-like qualities in online agents for organizations to build trust in consumer relationships.

Agriculture: AI can increase the number of technology-driven competitive-paying jobs in the agriculture industry. Agriculture is an integral part of Florida’s economy; it contributes over 10 billion in sales revenues annually and supports over 133,00 jobs. However, farmers constantly face numerous agriculture challenges ranging from pests, diseases, labor shortage, rising cost, and more. UF is leveraging AI in all areas of agriculture research. Doctoral student Xue Zhou used artificial intelligence technology to detect bruised strawberries before market. The system finds bruises by detecting differences in color, shape, and texture between the bruised and healthy parts of the fruit’ which allows only the best fruits to be sent to market.

These are just a few examples of how AI research and innovation is being used in non-tech careers. As AI technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more industries adopt AI-powered systems to improve efficiency and productivity.

Maya James
Assistant Director Career Pathways – AI