Machine Learning & Its Importance to the Tech Sector

Learn what five industries that will benefit from most machine learning.

Machine learning (ML) is a type of artificial intelligence (AI) that provides computers with the ability to learn without being explicitly programmed. Machine learning focuses on the development of computer programs that can change when exposed to new data/variables, thus enabling them to “intelligently react in real-time” to the changing analytical environment. The process of machine learning is like that of data mining. Both systems search through data to look for patterns. However, instead of extracting data for human comprehension — as is the case in data mining — ML uses that data to detect patterns and auto-adjust program actions accordingly.  Machine learning algorithms, as defined by Machine Learning Mastery, categorized as being either supervised or unsupervised.

“Supervised learning is where you have input variables (x) and an output variable (Y) and you use an algorithm to learn the mapping function from the input to the output.

Y = f(X)

The goal is to approximate the mapping function so well that when you have new input data (x) that you can predict the output variables (Y) for that data.

Unsupervised learning is where you only have input data (X) and no corresponding output variables. These are called unsupervised learning because unlike supervised learning above there is no correct answers and there is no teacher.”

Easy to understand, right? Probably not, so let’s simplify: ML is the ability to make machines learn to do “things”. That means we can program computers to learn real life lessons by themselves! The ability of learning is one of the most important aspects of intelligence, thereby greatly influencing and aiding the entire Technology sector to grow and become precise at a staggering pace! By transferring that power to machines, we are taking a huge step towards making them even more intelligent, perhaps beyond human comprehension. In fact, Machine Learning is the tech area that is making most of the progress in Artificial Intelligence today.

The next logical question is “Where can this technology be used in the marketplace while also benefiting those professionals who chose this career path”? Here are 5 ways ML is changing how the world operates:

#1. ML Will Improve Cybersecurity

Over time, machines will learn to help protect its business and customer data, allowing a company’s security team to more effectively manage breaches and suspicious activity. The computer system monitors all traffic coming from and being exchanged among PCs and servers, a combination of those things and more to help accurately identify anomalous behavior and minimize its impact.

#2. ML Will Help Usher in the Advent of ‘Extremely’ Smart Cars

In a recent IBM survey of 175 auto industry executives, 74% expect that by 2025 vehicles will self-optimize and provide advice in context. Specifically, they’ll be able to learn about themselves, the surrounding environment, and the behaviors of the drivers and the occupants. Future vehicles will also be able to personalize driving experiences by observing and copying their human occupants. The vehicle will learn by observing the driver’s actions and conversing with the driver, if they so choose to allow!

#3. ML Will Help Curtail Ecommerce Fraud

Large retailers use analysts to help identify, reduce and prevent fraudulent transactions. Many have rules to block transactions from suspicious locations, like China and Russia, but that approach is so punitive it also blocks legitimate transactions. Machine learning helps retailers and others manage fraud in a more precise way, with the goal being to identify fraud patterns before a product ships, without delaying the delivery times of products.

#4. ML Will Enhance and Improve Customer Service

Machine learning can improve the efficiency of customer service by understanding customers and their issues at a micro level. For example, smart machines can easily discern between the customers that are novices at product use versus those that have more experience with the product. They are then redirected to the most efficient customer support department to have their questions and concerns answered. Alternatively, machines can also recognize and proactively address customer issues as they occur in real time, without having to transfer them to a human interface!

#5. To Improve Security Screening

Especially in today’s world, security is primary to all. Imagine having to scan large crowds at a stadium for possible threats, or simply trying to decipher a criminal element mingled in with ordinary people walking down the sidewalks in any of our major cities. It’s an almost impossible task. Humans often inadvertently overlook important details in what they are observing, allowing those who wish to harm us to succeed. Theoretically machines will be able to compensate for our human deficiencies. With intelligent machines, capable of extremely precise facial and voice recognition skills, the task of apprehension is made easier, and learning can be instantaneous and ongoing.

As you can see, intelligent machines are going to be the trendy wave of the future.  And those individuals who can create, manage and interpret the data from them are (and will be) in high demand! For more information about this growing field, or if you are a currently an expert in Machine learning and looking for a new home, talk to one of our IT Staffing Professionals here at CultureFit. CultureFit Technology Staffing is a full-service Chicago IT recruiting firm for corporate cultures and IT professionals that value organizational fit, employee satisfaction, and an extremely high level of technical IT skill.