Far beyond simply being a trending topic that fills our news feeds, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has practically limitless potential to aid and improve virtually all sectors of business, hence all the hype and excitement currently revolving around machine learning. One country is even exploring how AI can help to shape the future of its economy, as Australia looks to shape future developments that surround the technology.
Midway through 2023, some interesting numbers emerged that focused on Australia’s generative AI opportunity, within a detailed collaborative report published by Microsoft and the Tech Council of Australia. Indeed, extensive research into current advances indicated that by 2030, the value of generative AI to the national economy could be worth more than $115 billion, providing the country continues to maintain current levels of progress and implementation.
Australia has quickly observed many benefits to AI deployment, helping with healthcare and manufacturing, retail and professional services. Machine learning and generative AI has already made important headway in the entertainment segment, improving business growth and user engagement, which is a great place to start as we look at early achievements.
Machine learning already deployed in iGaming sector
As more Aussies turn away from traditional gambling at physical venues, online sites now account for the vast majority of their daily activity. Whether it’s the spinning reels of pokies that appeal or favourite table games like poker and roulette, players often take the software that drives these games for granted, so long as they’re having fun and everything works properly.
The fact is that whenever you visit a real money casino in Australia these days and considering sites that have received the most favourable reviews from industry experts, use of AI has already become widespread. The objective of such deployment is to enhance the overall user experience, ranging from improved gameplay to highly responsive customer service, and much more.
AI can monitor game performance at online casinos, making real-time adjustments to improve gameplay, ensuring that games are always fair and enjoyable. Chatbots are able to provide instant customer assistance, helping to answer frequently asked questions, even providing support with more complicated queries.
Many leading Australian sites have algorithms are in place to recommend games, based on identifying player behaviour, while the same AI models can also detect problem gambling and encourage responsible gambling. Such measures contribute towards making the iGaming sector much safer and user-friendly, adapting and evolving to the needs of players.
World leaders in research and development
Advances in AI technology Down Under would not be possible, were it not for the exceptional “Australian Intelligence” involved, as luminaries in the field continue to take great strides, focusing on applications that can provide benefits today and tomorrow. One of the largest groups in the field is the Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML), based at the University of Adelaide.
The focus of research and study at AIML is based around several core themes. These include machine learning theory, medical machine learning, trusted autonomous systems, surveillance and tracking, plus photogrammetry and 3D modelling. Already, the institution has made important advances, helping to design AI that can provide solutions to many of the most challenging problems in science and industry.
For example, machine learning algorithms and generative AI have made significant impacts in agriculture and food production. AIML has partnered with diverse organisations, improving crop yields with Australian Grain Technologies, advancing nutritional and pharmaceutical properties of plants with Bayer.
Likewise, the range of applications is diverse and just as intriguing. Farmers benefit from AI through extensive data management and analysis, providing quick and accurate reports that assist with business reports, identifying trends and changing demands for different crops. Across other sectors, generative AI has brought advances in mining and resources, traffic and transport, along with boosting Australian research in space technologies and even defence.
Aussies want accurate AI
While there are many positives for business and industry, and superb research is being produced by educational institutions, the accuracy of generative AI does come under close scrutiny in Australia. Earlier in 2023, we covered how the mayor of a small town in Victoria threatened to sue OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, which is a language model that responds to user prompts.
The mayor of Hepburn Shire issued a claim for defamation of character, after ChatGPT falsely claimed he had been involved in a foreign bribery scandal and in prison. One anecdotal example of how generative AI was erroneous, perhaps, but with further human input via Australian intelligence and research, the technology will no doubt continue improving at a lightning pace over the coming years.
