The ultimate goal of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is to mirror the human brain, an endeavor that presents significant hurdles for engineers, programmers, and all involved with advancing AI’s capabilities. This is not likely news to anyone vaguely familiar with AI and its (currently limited) applications. However, there are still many unanswered questions about how the human brain functions—but researchers at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania recently made a breakthrough in artificial neural networks. Or, in other words, sets of algorithms that have been modeled after the human brain and are designed to recognize patterns. Not only is this important for the advancement of AI and machine learning as a whole, but for how AI applications will be used by global businesses in the not-so-distant future.
Why Artificial Neural Networks Matter for Expanding Businesses
The Lehigh University researchers’ exploration into neural networks is in its infancy; there’s scant information published on the subject, and experiment design faces challenges. But the study and development of these neural networks is integral to creating more human-like cognitive functions in AI. While machine learning is powered by human-created algorithms that sift through and learn from massive data sets, deep learning “learns” via these artificial neural networks—very similar to how the human brain analyzes data.
How data are analyzed is important; it more closely emulates humans’ cognitive functions, allowing for (perhaps unsurprisingly) more human-like interpretation of the data. This could mean a significant advancement for how applications interact with humans—and meet their needs. This includes everyday office tasks, providing quick and precise information from huge data sets, and translating from any number of foreign languages—an important feature for businesses with a global presence.
What Does AI, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning Mean for Global Businesses?
AI Language Translation Services
When businesses expand into new markets, there are seemingly infinite considerations, concerns, and to-dos. But no matter where a business expands, there is likely a language barrier, or at least the need for a translator to smooth the communication. AI may soon take the place of human translators—but not quite yet. Lilt, a company with a mission to “make the world’s information accessible to everyone regardless of where they were born or which language they speak,” is using experienced human translators in conjunction with the speed of automated translation services. Why? Because, currently, only humans have the ability to take a fine-toothed comb to dense, lengthy information, complementing translation applications’ ability to sift through huge amounts of information.
AI Helps Small Businesses Go Global
There’s much speculation about how AI and machine learning will impact jobs and industries across the globe, yet no one can agree on just how wide and swift this impact will be. But one thing is certain: digital platforms will provide businesses a more streamlined approach to going global. Brookings notes that eBay has been a major benefit to businesses looking to export their products; fully 97% of small businesses on eBay export their products, dwarfing the 4% of businesses that operate offline.
But what does eBay—a platform that’s been around for nearly a quarter of a century—have to do with going global and advances in AI? Plenty—especially when paired with the breakthroughs in translation services. eBay-based exports saw a 17.5% increase in purchases from Spanish-speaking LATAM countries thanks to its machine translation service. And with steady growth for ecommerce businesses in the United States (never mind the rest of the world) coupled with inevitably forthcoming digital platforms, how AI helps customers connect with businesses across the globe will become increasingly important not only to global trade, but communication between people from across the globe.
Take on the Changing Global Business Landscape with an Experienced Partner
Artificial intelligence has a long way to go before it’s a fixture in everyday life. But as it becomes increasingly sophisticated, it will also become increasingly central to how global business is conducted—no matter where your business is located.
If you’re considering a global expansion but are unsure of the best path forward, reach out to Velocity Global today to learn how our International PEO (Professional Employer Organization) solution can help you establish a physical presence in virtually any market. Shipping more frequently to Brazil? Have a growing demand in Vietnam? We can have you up and running in those markets—in as few as 48 hours.
Ready to go global? Let’s make it happen.
