Narayana Murthy has recently highlighted the way AI is now a buzzword in Indian tech. Organizations are eager to tag everything with the “AI-powered” sticker, but they don’t do it all the time. It’s like terming any car a “smart car” just because it sports a touchscreen—the true AI has to do better than just look cool.
So, how do you verify if a software solution is actually AI-powered or merely a re-packaged old model? Let’s analyze it with a clever car analogy.
1. Is it actually “self-driving” or merely cruise control?
AI must learn and evolve over time. If a system operates by strict rules without getting better, it’s akin to labeling cruise control as “autonomous driving.” True AI adapts with new information, similar to a self-driving car responding to road conditions.
2. Does it drive independently or merely use GPS?
An authentic AI solution bases its decisions beyond pre-programmed instructions. When the system sticks to strict workflows without any level of intelligent tweak, it’s like a vehicle mindlessly navigating Google Maps despite a roadblock.
3. Is it learning with each trip?
Machine learning implies that the system will become smarter over time. If an AI feature is not improving after months of usage, it’s like a smart car that cannot learn your favorite routes or driving habits.
4. Can it deal with unexpected scenarios?
True AI must be capable of dealing with novel situations it wasn’t specifically trained to deal with. If a chatbot or recommendation algorithm only functions properly within restricted boundaries, it’s like an autopilot which can’t operate in the rain or during rush-hour traffic.
5. Does it look smart or actually do?
Some software programs bill themselves as “AI-enabled” simply because they employ minimal automation. That’s like taking a carmaker, adding a touch screen to the dashboard and branding it as a “smart car.” AI truly needs to add real-world intelligence, and not merely smart buttons.
Final Thoughts
Before investing in an “AI-enabled” solution, ask: Is it really intelligent, or is it simply using old-fashioned automation? As with an actual self-driving car, good AI should be capable of learning, adapting, and deciding, not simply following a preprogrammed route.
