Ever feel like you're sprinting to keep up with technology? You're not alone. One minute we're marveling at the latest smartphone, and the next, we're hearing about AI that can write poetry, compose music, or even act as a personal therapist. It's a lot to take in, and it's easy to feel a little lost in the digital dust.
That was the central theme of my keynote at AI Live Conference at the Science Museum in London. I kicked things off with a simple but profound question: "Where is the 'I' in AI?" And no, it's not just about intelligence. It's about something much more human.
More Than Just a Tech Talk: Why Your Mindset Matters
Before diving into the nuts and bolts of artificial intelligence, I took a detour into human psychology. As someone who's spent over 20 years in tech - from helping a taxi app before Uber to co-founding and building YourFLOCK, our employee feedback platform - I've learned that the human side matters more than the tech side.
I wasn't just there to throw jargon and statistics at the audience. My goal was to make them think. As Socrates famously said,
"I cannot teach anybody anything; I can only make them think."
This set the stage for a session that was as much about introspection as it was about innovation.
I emphasized something that often gets lost in the excitement over new technology:
"Human psychology is far, far, far more important than people think. The technology side of this is tiny compared to the psychology side of this."
This is where Simon Sinek's "Start with Why" comes in. Before we can effectively implement any new tool, especially one as powerful as AI, we need to understand our own motivations.
For me, my "why" is deeply personal. It's rooted in my family - being a dad comes first - and my desire to make technology more accessible, inclusive, and human-centered. This personal mission has driven my diverse career, from my early days as a BBC tech expert to founding multiple startups and becoming a voice for digital inclusion.
The AI Explosion: From Novelty to Necessity
Remember when ChatGPT first hit the scene? It felt like a light switch flicked on across the world. What was once a niche concept for tech enthusiasts became a global phenomenon. I highlighted the staggering speed of adoption: it took ChatGPT just 72 hours to reach a massive user base. But here's the kicker: more people were using it for personal therapy and life organization than for work.
This reveals a huge opportunity. While the world is busy chatting with AI about their personal lives, businesses - especially in agriculture - have a chance to harness its power to revolutionize their operations. And we're not just talking about OpenAI. The landscape of AI and Large Language Models is vast and constantly evolving. Each model is different, with its own training data and "way of thinking." They learn and they evolve.
A Real-World Farming Revolution
My insights are particularly relevant to the agricultural sector, which is why being asked to the keynotespeaker at AI Live was so meaningful. Having worked with various agritech organizations to promote leadership and technological adoption in farming, I stressed the importance of 5G technology as a critical enabler for AI in agriculture. Think about it: all that valuable data from sensors, drones, and machinery needs a super-fast and reliable network to be useful in real-time.
The global AI in agriculture market is booming, expected to grow from $1.5 billion in 2023 to $4.7 billion by 2028. This growth is driven by the need for precision farming to maximize yields and optimize resource use. AI-powered solutions are helping farmers with everything from crop and soil monitoring to intelligent spraying and livestock health. This isn't just about efficiency; it's about building a more sustainable and resilient food system.
The Three 'I's of AI: A Human-Centered Approach
So, where is the 'I' in AI? It's not about "intelligence" in the way we might think. Instead, I propose three crucial 'I's that should guide our approach to this transformative technology:
1. Individuality: Every farm and every farmer is unique. AI shouldn't be a one-size-fits-all solution. It should be a tool that amplifies the individual expertise and experience of the farmer. Imagine combining a farmer's decades of knowledge with an AI's ability to recognize patterns in data. That's a powerful combination.
2. Inclusion: No one should be left behind in this technological revolution. This isn't just about diversity in the workforce; it's about ensuring that everyone has access to the tools and infrastructure they need to succeed. This includes things like rural broadband, affordable technology, and user-friendly interfaces.
3. Impact: The impact of AI in agriculture extends far beyond the farm gate. By leveraging data and AI, we can promote environmental stewardship, enhance food security, and build economic resilience. This is about using technology to create a better future for everyone.
Welcome to the Fifth Industrial Revolution
I argue that we are now in the midst of the Fifth Industrial Revolution - a concept I'm passionate about and frequently discuss in my TEDx talks and media appearances. Unlike the fourth, which was focused on digitalization and automation, this new era is about the integration of humans and machines. It's a human-centric approach that prioritizes well-being, sustainability, and collaboration.
The goal is to use technology to complement and enhance human capabilities, not replace them. As I often say when appearing on BBC Breakfast or Channel 4 News, the future of work isn't about what you think or what you feel, but about what you love.
"Loving is what the machines cannot do."
This is a powerful reminder that in an age of intelligent machines, our uniquely human qualities - our passion, our creativity, our empathy - are more valuable than ever.
Conclusion
The question isn't "What can AI do?" but rather, "What can you do with AI?" As we navigate this new technological landscape, it's crucial to remember the human element. By focusing on individuality, inclusion, and impact, we can build a future that is not only smarter but also fairer and more fulfilling for everyone.
The Fifth Industrial Revolution is here, and it's up to us to shape it. That's why events like AI Live Farm matter - they bring together the innovators, the farmers, the policymakers, and the dreamers who will define what comes next.
Dan Sodergren is a renowned technology futurist, media commentator, and advocate for digital inclusion and ethical AI. A regular contributor to BBC, Channel 4, and The Guardian, he co-founded YourFLOCK and is the author of "The AI Advantage" and "Conquer the Room." Connect with him at dansodergren.com