AI compass and artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is fundamentally changing the way we work, especially generative AI.
We deal with the practical applications of this technology and focus on its possible uses in everyday life in order to enable users to take advantage of the opportunities offered by these technologies and to raise awareness of the associated challenges.

The diversity of artificial intelligence and its foundations

Anyone who deals with artificial intelligence (AI) quickly realizes that there is no single AI that works for all fields of application.
Whether searching, planning, optimizing, logical reasoning, approximating or generating – each of these tasks requires different AI methods and technologies.
‘Article 3: Definitions’ from the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, which was adopted by the European Parliament on March 13, 2024, states that

(1) ‘AI system’ means a machine-based system that is designed to operate with varying degrees of autonomy and, once deployed, demonstrates adaptability and, for explicit or implicit goals, infers from the inputs it receives how it can generate outputs such as predictions, content, recommendations or decisions that can affect physical or virtual environments;

ChatGPT’s statement on AI technologies

ChatGPT answers the question of what AI encompasses:

Artificial intelligence (AI) uses various technologies and methods to solve complex tasks and mimic human behavior.
The main technologies include search algorithms such as the A* algorithm, which efficiently finds the shortest path in a weighted graph, and basic algorithms such as breadth-first search (BFS) and depth-first search (DFS), which are used in databases and search engines.

Automated planning is made possible by STRIPS and PDDL, which are used in robot control and project management.
Optimization algorithms such as linear programming and evolutionary algorithms optimize processes in areas such as supply chain management and finance.
Formal logic and sat solvers draw conclusions based on formal rules, which is useful in expert systems and diagnostic systems.

Machine learning (ML) plays a central role in AI and includes methods such as supervised and unsupervised learning algorithms that recognize patterns in data and make predictions.
This includes neural networks and deep learning, which process complex patterns in large amounts of data and are used for applications such as image and speech recognition.

Approximation algorithms, including neural networks and regression models, recognize patterns and statistically approximate data to make predictions and enable image/speech recognition.
Generative models such as Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and transformer models create new data points based on existing ones, which is used in text and image generation.

These technologies automate and improve processes in areas such as navigation, robotics, finance, logistics, medical diagnosis and creative content generation.
Machine learning and its diverse algorithms are at the heart of many modern AI applications, which are constantly being developed and refined.

Our focus: Generative AI from a user perspective

When we talk about AI and focus primarily on generative AI and its potential applications and consequences for the labor market and skills development, we are focusing on forms of application for interactive AI.

Examples of AI applications in everyday life

For example, AI-supported tools such as Google Translate or deepL have long been used for language translation and speech recognition – without users having to deal with neural networks or machine learning, which the tools use to overcome language barriers and offer personalized language learning services.

Or, for example, ChatGPT is used extensively to generate learning materials, quizzes, etc.
Without first learning how this technology is based on deep neural networks, transformer architecture, language models or NLP techniques and more, which makes generation possible in the first place.

Those who use Perplexity.ai also use an AI platform that combines powerful neural networks and advanced search and retrieval techniques.
With Perplexity.ai, users can extract precise and relevant information from large amounts of data without having to delve deeply into the underlying technologies such as neural networks or specific learning algorithms.

Changes to workflows and processes

Accordingly, our AI Compass project focuses on the practical user perspective in the context of the current GenAI hype.
We look at the impact of these technologies on our working world, the skills required and the possibilities for personal use, without delving into theoretical depths or potentially problematic aspects.

Our focus is on specific applications and their influence on everyday working life.
We examine how generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, DALL-E and Midjourney are changing the way we create content, solve problems and work creatively.
We are not interested in the technical details of these systems, but in their practical use and the resulting changes in various professional fields.

New skills for an AI-driven working world

An important aspect of our AI compass is the identification and development of skills that are required in an AI-influenced working environment.
These include, for example

1. The ability to interact effectively with AI tools and use them in a targeted manner
2. Critical thinking and the evaluation of AI-generated content
3. Creativity in the use and combination of different AI applications
4. Adaptability in the face of rapidly developing technologies

We also look at how workflows and processes are changing through the use of AI.
To this end, we examine examples from various industries of how AI tools can be used to increase efficiency, automate routine tasks and support complex decision-making processes.

Opportunities to increase productivity

Another focus is on the possibilities for the personal use of AI in everyday working life.
We show how individuals and teams can use AI tools to increase their productivity, support creative processes and find new solutions.
We also consider ethical aspects and the need for responsible use of AI technologies.

Our AI compass thus offers a practice-oriented navigation aid for the use of AI in the modern working world.
We want to empower users to take advantage of the opportunities offered by these technologies while raising awareness of the associated challenges.
Through this approach, we are helping to ensure that individuals and organizations are better prepared for the integration of AI into their day-to-day work and can make the most of the potential of these technologies.