The AIs Have It: Tracking Artificial Intelligence and Automation Innovation Trends

With a seemingly endless list of tech possibilities in the new year, these two Colorado leaders are following a common thread.
Written by Kim Conway
December 1, 2021Updated: December 6, 2021

What’s on the horizon for tech in the new year? Depending on the industry you’re in, notable movements in technology may vary quite a bit. But when professionals from different verticals are keeping an eye on the same innovations, there’s more to uncover where the lines overlap. 

For both Outrider and Eventus Solutions Group, autonomy — particularly through the lens of repetition — is a common denominator in terms of what’s on deck for 2022. 

The robotic systems team at Outrider, directed by Matt Johannes, relies on autonomy for the foundation of their yard operations sensor systems. Johannes is closely watching for autonomous robotic and vehicle sensor advancements, noting that this technology provides critical data that impacts how Outrider designs and develops its system.

Autonomy could also be a key factor in positively impacting how much companies spend on customer service. Milos Djokovic, CEO of Eventus Solutions Group, is looking out for conversational artificial intelligence developments that will not only change the customer’s experience, but also the client’s. By reducing the need for manual customer service, companies can better refocus their efforts and investments. Like the situation with Outrider’s robotics, AI-backed customer service creates a more streamlined, autonomous system. 

Built In Colorado sat down with Johannes and Djokovic to learn more about how the tech trends they’re watching will not only change the landscape for their respective companies, but also the industries their work contributes to.

 

Matt Johannes
Director of Robotic Systems • Outrider

 

What’s one tech trend you’ll be watching closely in 2022?

We’ll be closely watching the advances in sensors for autonomous vehicles and robotics. These technologies enable the decision-making of key robotic functions, including the motion planning and control of our vehicle and manipulation systems. The performance and reliability of these technologies inform how we design and develop the perception capabilities of our autonomous system. Sensors and related technologies provide the necessary data to the Outrider system so it performs its distribution yard tasks correctly and safely.

Sensors provide the necessary data to the Outrider system so it performs its distribution yard tasks correctly and safely.”

 

What impact do you think this trend will have on your industry in particular?

The advances in autonomous vehicle- and robotics-specific sensors will have tremendous impact on Outrider’s industry. In autonomous yard operations, sensors must be able to acquire massive amounts of data over long periods of time while being reliable and durable. Installed on an electric yard truck platform, these sensor systems must withstand the adverse weather conditions, vibration, shock and acceleration loading that comes with the repetitive task of moving semitrailers to and from loading docks and parking spots.

 

 

Milos Djokovic

 

What’s one tech trend you’ll be watching closely in 2022?

Conversational artificial intelligence for customer service is dramatically improving at a rapid pace — there are many horses to watch, and the impact on customer service spending could be astronomical. Currently, many companies have thousands of people taking calls every day, which is a significant investment. Conversational AI done right can reduce the number of calls, emails and chats from customers that currently require manual intervention. If the technology is feature-rich and implemented well, it can create a great, positive experience for customers who are trying to resolve a problem quickly and efficiently without having to wait for an agent to become available.

Conversational AI can reduce the number of calls, emails and chats from customers that currently require manual intervention.”

 

What impact do you think this trend will have on your company in particular?

Eventus will be positively affected by conversational AI, as we have been building a practice in this area to help clients navigate the AI waters when it comes to customer service. This will help the company grow its business and revenue. Conversational AI will help allow our employees to grow and learn new skills while allowing the company to be more compelling and relevant to clients in these changing times.

 

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