What is artificial intelligence?

How Can We Use Artificial Intelligence?

Did you know that even retailers can track customer emotions using AI? What do the results of such measurements look like and what are they used for? What exactly is artificial intelligence? Karel Pecl answered these and other questions from Tyden.cz readers on Monday, January 27, at 1:00 PM.

Karel Pecl is the founder and owner of Blue Dynamic, a technology company focusing, among other things, on applying artificial intelligence in business, especially in retail. He graduated from the Czech Technical University in Prague and has been working in IT solutions for 25 years. He believes that in an increasingly complex and information-saturated world, where people seek to spend less time at work, artificial intelligence will play a key role in the future. Let’s take a look at what AI actually is.

Marta from Ostrava: Good day. Don’t you think there’s sometimes too much artificial intelligence in the world?

Karel Pecl (KP): Good day. I think everyone can look at the world from a slightly different angle. Perhaps your feeling comes from how often the topic appears in the media. In any case, I believe AI will become more and more present around us — we’ll just talk about it less and accept it as a natural part of life, much like cars today.

Radek: Hello. I think AI will only be real when computers start deciding what and how to do things. A vacuum cleaner that cleans by itself isn’t AI to me. I hope humans will always make the final decisions. What do you think?

KP: That’s a matter of perspective and personal taste. The question is how much control we really have, say, over steering or braking in a car full of assistive systems. In our field, AI calculates how much stock to order and how to distribute it across stores. It does it on its own, does it well, and never takes sick days. So I’d say that in some cases, humans will still make the final call, and in others not — but there must always be a way for humans to step in and override decisions.

SK: What are the biggest advantages of AI?

KP: Its main advantage is the ability to replace humans — either by taking over repetitive, tedious tasks or by helping people make complex decisions by quickly analyzing large amounts of data and suggesting possible solutions.

DENMARK: And the biggest risks?

KP: Right now, AI isn’t advanced enough to pose a danger to humanity on its own. However, like any other tool, it can be misused. The real risk might come from overreliance — we could become lazy and lose critical thinking. Think of the movie *WALL-E* and humanity’s perfected laziness.

ANTI: What about AI and Czech law?

KP: As with any fast-developing field, legislation lags behind — and that’s true in the Czech Republic as well. Lawmakers will have to catch up and set reasonable boundaries and rules for AI use.

GF: What about AI and politics?

KP: Honestly, I’m not sure how you mean that question. But in politics, any kind of intelligence — even artificial — could be useful :)

Dalibor: What’s the definition of AI and in which fields should it or shouldn’t it be used?

KP: There are many definitions. For example, in 1967 Marvin Minsky said: “Artificial intelligence is the science of making machines or systems that use methods which, if performed by humans, would be considered intelligent behavior.” AI is used in aviation, automotive, healthcare, science, and security. In our field, it can detect wanted persons, identify suspicious behavior, or help retailers better understand customers and improve their service.

Radek Mikula: Some phone manufacturers claim their devices use AI cameras, while skeptics say real AI will never exist. What does the term really mean today? And how do you think AI will change industry, transport, and everyday life in 40 years?

KP: Great question. AI is indeed a vague term that can cover many things — from window blinds closing automatically when the sun shines, to license plate recognition at parking lots. It’s safe to say many improvements will come quietly, and most users won’t realize AI is behind them. Businesses, however, will notice higher efficiency, lower costs, and less reliance on staff. For example, an e-shop operator will know that ads or product recommendations are driven by AI. As a customer, you may not notice — but you’ll appreciate the accuracy.

Standa: Do you think autonomous vehicles are the future?

KP: I have a young son, and I sometimes wonder if he’ll ever need a driver’s license. Adoption would go faster if only autonomous cars were on the roads — without unpredictable human drivers :)

PH: How should AI be used properly?

KP: I’d say AI is best used with common sense and good judgment :)

XXX: Has AI already achieved something significant? Have you had any big successes?

KP: Looking at AI generally — it has won *Jeopardy!*, beaten professional *Dota 2* players, and defeated humans in chess and Go. We’ve developed intelligent advertising and advanced in-store customer behavior analytics.

XY: Do you use AI at home? Can it even be useful there?

KP: Honestly, at home I mostly try to apply my natural intelligence. But on Friday afternoons, I often fail — so a bit of AI could come in handy :)

The full online chat with Karel Pecl is available here.

Did you know that even retailers can track customer emotions using AI? What do the results of such measurements look like and what are they used for? Karel Pecl answered these and other questions from Tyden.cz readers on Monday, January 27, at 1:00 PM.