Generative AI has captured imaginations worldwide, offering transformative potential across industries. From creating hyper-realistic images to personalizing customer interactions, its capabilities seem limitless. But where is generative AI headed next? Let’s discuss seven key predictions that show how GenAI will evolve in the coming years.
1. Unleashing Multimodal Tools
GenAI is already expanding its reach by combining different types of data inputs and outputs. Today, we see tools that can see, hear, speak, read, and write, and the upcoming waves of GenAI will be able to harness multiple modalities with even more finesse.
These advancements hint at a future where AI can create immersive, multi-sensory experiences. Imagine a GenAI tool that could simultaneously produce visual, auditory, and textual content, similar to how the human brain processes information from different senses. As multimodal tools develop, businesses will be able to create more cohesive, contextually rich content across platforms, bringing new dimensions to interactive experiences.
2. Enhancing Domain-Specific GenAI Models
While general-purpose AI models are effective and popular, the demand for domain-specific GenAI models is expected to grow. Industries such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing seek AI solutions tailored to their unique requirements. By using these specialized models, companies can enhance accuracy, reduce computational resources needed, and mitigate the “hallucination” risks common in general-purpose models.
Instead of building custom solutions from scratch, companies will likely adopt off-the-shelf, domain-specific models that can be tuned to their specific applications. This trend will drive the creation of AI models optimized for various sectors, from retail customer support to healthcare diagnostics, ultimately leading to more targeted and efficient solutions.
3. Generating Synthetic Data
As data privacy regulations intensify and acquiring real-world data becomes challenging, synthetic data is gaining prominence. Synthetic data is artificially generated, allowing organizations to train AI models without compromising sensitive information or navigating complex privacy regulations. This capability is especially valuable in highly regulated industries where generated data can replicate real-world scenarios without privacy risks.
Beyond privacy, synthetic data opens doors to new product development and rapid prototyping, enabling businesses to simulate customer behaviors, test software, and refine products. It also allows companies to create balanced datasets in areas where real-world data might be limited or biased, further supporting accurate model training and more equitable outcomes.
4. Developing Interactive AI
Interactive AI represents the next evolution beyond GenAI, empowering bots to act far beyond chatting. Rather than just answering questions, interactive AI can complete complex tasks by coordinating with other software or delegating tasks to human collaborators. For instance, imagine an AI tool that manages an entire project–from writing and testing code for a new app to coordinating with contractors and marketing the final product.
As interactive AI becomes more sophisticated, it will likely autonomously handle tasks like planning vacations, managing bookies, and handling client relations. This shift will turn GenAI tools into autonomous assistants that handle multi-step processes with minimal human intervention, paving the way for a new era of productivity.
5. Spreading Adoption of As-a-Service Models
AI Models as a Service (AIMaaS) is poised to become a go-to solution for companies lacking the infrastructure or resources to build their models. Many organizations are realizing the potential of GenAI but are hesitant to invest heavily in training AI from scratch or managing the necessary infrastructure. As a result, we’re seeing the rise of customizable, scalable AI solutions offered by industry specialists. AIMaaS providers offer accessible, domain-specific models that companies can deploy quickly, reducing the time to market and supporting continuous innovation.
6. Growing Push Towards Sustainable Power
The environmental impact of GenAI, driven by its high computational demands, is a growing concern for businesses and governments alike. Training large models consumes vast amounts of energy, and as GenAI adoption accelerates, so does its carbon footprint. This challenge has sparked a push for sustainable AI solutions, with companies investing in renewable energy sources, energy-efficient computing architectures, and edge operations to mitigate environmental impact.
In the future, we expect to see more organizations adopting composable architectures and optimizing AI models to minimize energy consumption. Sustainable AI practices will help companies meet environmental goals and reduce the long-term costs associated with energy-intensive AI operations.
7. Increasing Regulations and Governance Efforts
AI governance and regulation are critical topics as the influence of technology expands. With the 2024 EU AI Act setting a precedent, companies operating within the EU–or handling EU citizen data–face stricter compliance requirements. This regulation is likely the first of many as governments worldwide move toward greater oversight of AI technology to address privacy, security, and ethical concerns.
Companies are responding by investing in AI governance platforms and policies. In the near future, AI providers will likely offer integrated solutions that include compliance monitoring, security safeguards, and responsible AI usage guidelines. Human-in-the-loop (HITL) systems will become standard to ensure oversight, and businesses will establish AI policies to mitigate risks associated with GenAI’s rapid expansion.
Stay Current on the Future of Generative AI with Encora
At Encora, we’re committed to pushing the boundaries of GenAI and helping businesses navigate these transformative shifts. From data-driven performance and customized solutions to holistic support and seamless integration, our GenAI Technology Practice is designed to drive impactful results across industries.
Connect with Encora to explore how we can help you unlock the full potential of GenAI.
