AI’s transformative impact

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most transformative technologies of the 21st century, influencing nearly every aspect of human life. From healthcare to transportation, and from education to entertainment, AI is finding fantastic applications in various fields.

For this reason, the National Task Force on Science and Technology as well as the one on Technology Driven Knowledge Economy led by me have formulated many national projects in this fast-growing disruptive field that are presently being implemented across Pakistan.

A major Centre of Artificial Intelligence funded by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications is being established with a billion-rupee grant at the Pak Austrian Fachhochschule (University of Applied Science and Engineering) in Haripur Hazara. Another centre focused on the applications of AI in health sciences is well on its way to establishment at the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences at the University of Karachi.

A Rs13 billion project for manpower development in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, prepared by our task force, has been approved by the government and it is being implemented by the Higher Education Commission. Another Rs40 billion project submitted by us to establish a Network of Centres of Artificial Intelligence has undergone a successful feasibility study by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications and it is in the process of approval. With these projects underway, Pakistan is well poised to meet the opportunities that Artificial Intelligence will offer for developments in industry, agriculture, education, defence and other fields.

AI has brought about a revolution in healthcare, enhancing the efficiency, accuracy, and personalisation of medical services. Machine learning algorithms can analyse complex datasets, including medical imaging, genomic sequences, and patient history, to diagnose diseases with remarkable precision. For instance, AI systems like IBM Watson Health are being used to assist oncologists in diagnosing and treating cancer by analysing millions of medical papers and clinical trials.

AI-driven robotic systems like the da Vinci Surgical System assist surgeons in performing minimally invasive surgeries with unparalleled precision, reducing recovery times and improving patient outcomes. Furthermore, AI-powered wearable devices such as smartwatches continuously monitor vital signs, offering real-time health insights and early detection of conditions like arrhythmias or diabetes. Nvidia, a leader in AI hardware and software, reported record revenues of $26.9 billion in 2022, driven by the growing adoption of AI solutions in medical research and healthcare applications.

AI is transforming education by making learning more personalised, accessible, and efficient. Adaptive learning platforms such as Khan Academy and Coursera employ AI algorithms to customise lesson plans based on individual student needs, learning pace, and comprehension levels. This tailored approach not only enhances engagement but also ensures that students grasp foundational concepts before progressing.

Language processing tools like Grammarly and Duolingo use AI to provide instant feedback on writing and language skills, fostering self-directed learning. Edtech companies like Chegg and Byju's have seen significant financial growth due to AI integration. Byju's, for example, became one of the most valuable edtech companies globally, with a valuation exceeding $22 billion in 2022, as it leveraged AI to expand its reach and improve learning outcomes.

The transportation sector is undergoing a seismic transformation, thanks to AI-driven innovations. Autonomous vehicles, powered by AI systems like Tesla’s Autopilot and Waymo, promise safer roads by reducing human error – a leading cause of traffic accidents. Tesla, a pioneer in AI-driven electric vehicles, has experienced exponential financial growth. In 2023, Tesla’s revenues reached about $85 billion, driven by its advancements in AI technologies and the increasing adoption of autonomous driving features.

It would be fair to say that AI is now at the heart of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, transforming industries through automation, predictive maintenance, and intelligent design. In manufacturing, AI-powered robots are performing repetitive tasks with greater speed and accuracy than humans, enhancing productivity while reducing operational costs.

Collaborative robots, or cobots, work alongside human employees, combining the strengths of both to achieve optimal efficiency. Tech giants like Alphabet, through its AI subsidiary DeepMind, have invested heavily in AI-driven industrial solutions. Alphabet’s AI initiatives contributed to its parent company’s massive $300 billion in revenue in 2023.

Precision farming techniques now employ AI to analyse soil health, weather patterns, and crop conditions, enabling farmers to optimise resource use and maximise yields. AI-powered drones monitor large-scale farms, identifying pest infestations and irrigation needs with pinpoint accuracy. Agricultural robots, or ‘agribots’, automate labour-intensive tasks such as planting, weeding, and harvesting, reducing the reliance on manual labour. Companies like John Deere are leading the way with AI-driven farming equipment, contributing to about $60 billion in revenue in 2023. Their smart tractors and precision agriculture tools are transforming traditional farming practices.

In the financial sector, AI is revolutionising how institutions manage risk, detect fraud, and deliver personalised services. Robo-advisors like Betterment and Wealthfront are democratising investment management by offering AI-driven financial planning tailored to individual goals and risk tolerance. AI is also able to facilitate regulatory compliance by automating processes like anti-money laundering (AML) checks and Know Your Customer (KYC) verifications. Financial institutions like JPMorgan Chase have reported significant benefits from AI, saving billions of dollars annually through AI-driven fraud detection and operational efficiencies.

The entertainment industry is also benefiting from developments in AI. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Spotify use AI algorithms to recommend content based on user preferences, ensuring a highly tailored experience. AI is also being employed in content creation, with tools like OpenAI’s DALL-E and ChatGPT generating art, music, and storytelling ideas.

Emerging technologies such as AI, next-generation genomics, energy storage systems, energy production by fusion of hydrogen isotopes, plant biotechnology, and bionics are giving a huge boost to the economies of those countries that are investing in high-quality education, science and innovation.

The economic problems of Pakistan lie in our inability to cash in on the new disruptive innovations that are constantly emerging as our education system has largely failed, except for some remarkable developments in the higher education sector despite financial constraints.

To emerge from the present quagmire of growing debt and a sinking economy, we need to single-mindedly focus on the manufacture and export of high-value-added goods such as pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, minerals and IT products. This requires us to undertake a major shift from our present natural resource-driven economy to a technologically driven knowledge economy. This is only possible if we have a visionary, technologically competent and honest leadership.

The answer to our woes therefore lies in having a technocratic democracy in which our ministers, secretaries and other heads of various institutions are highly educated experts in their respective fields.

The writer is a former federal minister, Unesco science laureate and founding chairperson of the Higher

Education Commission (HEC). He can be reached at: ibne_sina@hotmail.com