Business expect rise of AI and virtual reality

Just shy of a third of all company managers believe that use of artificial intelligence within a business will be commonplace within ten years. Almost a quarter expressed similar sentiments concerning virtual reality, but a further 32% fear that they may struggle to keep pace with the rate of change.

A fraction less than a half – 49% – believe that those that fail to embrace digitalised processes and the Internet of Things are at greater risk of going out of business. Then again, that suggests 51% don’t think embracing digitised processes is that important. This implied conclusion from the survey may be the most surprising finding.

>See also: The growing impact of emerging technologies on digital transformation

Beverley Wise, director UK & Ireland at TomTom Telematics, the company which compiled the survey, said that “Complacency can sound the death knell for businesses.”

She added: “Companies should be mindful of the pace of change and keep a close eye on the solutions and processes that will help ensure a competitive future – from smart mobility and connected tech to advanced manufacturing and design systems. Many of today’s new emerging technologies will disrupt and revolutionise commerce, and in the process become the standard for tomorrow.”

>See also: 3 ways artificial intelligence is transforming e-commerce

The survey also found that managers have high expectations of remote working, with 46% believing that remote working has, or will become, the norm within the next ten years. It turns out, or so finds the survey, that remote working is more prevalent among larger companies than their SMEs counterparts – with 58% of managers of larger companies, but only 37% saying they had high expectations of remote working.

>See also: Will virtual customer assistants dominate customer service by 2020?

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Andrew Ross

As a reporter with Information Age, Andrew Ross writes articles for technology leaders; helping them manage business critical issues both for today and in the future