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The challenges posed by artificial intelligence are as great as its potential.

As a defining feature of our professional and personal futures, it is one of the major issues of our time. To harness such power, new professions have emerged, such as that of artificial intelligence engineer.

Overview and responsibilities of the AI Engineer (AIgineer©)

They may be referred to as an artificial intelligence project manager, an artificial intelligence project director, an expert or an artificial intelligence consultant. Their role is to create computer programmes capable of processing complex data and responding in a coherent manner.

Their work is based on the use of specific tools to automate tasks previously carried out by humans. These tools are based on machine learning (Machine Learning, Deep Learning) and, to a certain extent, simulate what we know about human cognition. This does not make machines intelligent, but it does make them extremely efficient at processing data and identifying correlations.

The i-engineer creates tools that mimic human reasoning. These include, for example, intuitive interfaces (such as chatbots), decision-support software and automation programmes… Examples include voice assistants such as Alexa or Siri, anti-spam systems that filter out unwanted emails, and GPS apps like Waze that adjust routes in real time based on traffic conditions…

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Business implications

The scope of an AI engineer’s work is vast because artificial intelligence touches on so many different fields. The sectors at the forefront of this development are healthcare, finance and security.

Retail, transport, industry, the environment and defence are also sectors set to be transformed by this new technology. Even our public administrative bodies are taking a keen interest in artificial intelligence.

With the possibilities growing and vast (information, image and video processing; robotisation; analytical forecasting, etc.), the profession of AI engineer is undoubtedly the way forward. The recruitment market for business intelligence is becoming increasingly competitive as the volume of data and the performance of our algorithms grow.

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Ethical implications
Ethics are inseparable from any project involving artificial intelligence. When researching and developing systems, the AI engineer must adopt a humanistic approach that respects the law, equality, the environment, and the freedoms and rights of every individual. To this end, they know how to surround themselves with other experts, such as AI lawyers or ethics officers. The AI revolution promises great progress, but it is not without risk. For a computer system to be truly ‘intelligent’ – that is, to serve us without ever harming us – it must be able to respond to every possible scenario whilst taking into account societal, individual and environmental regulations. It is the engineer’s job to explore these issues in detail with legal and ethics professionals.
aivancity’s programmes incorporate all aspects of artificial intelligence and its challenges – whether technical, technological, commercial, ethical or legal – into their curriculum. These are comprehensive, blended learning programmes that enable future engineers to acquire the highest possible level of knowledge and a broad range of expertise.

Key skills

As an expert in computer science research, the artificial intelligence engineer is required to work as part of a team alongside other professionals relevant to the nature of the project (data scientists, programmers, natural language processing engineers, lawyers, ethics officers, etc.). They naturally possess strong technical skills and the 360° perspective of a project manager. They are proficient in data science and data mining, the structural analysis of web tools (web crawling), and machine learning (including deep learning)....

Allocating tasks between humans and machines is part of their remit. Analytical skills, the ability to anticipate, tenacity and rigour are their key strengths.

The role requires ongoing training and keeping up to date with global technological developments.

Trends and factors driving change

Whether employed by a company, an IT services firm or self-employed, all forms of employment are possible for an artificial intelligence project manager. They may work across various sectors or specialise. Career progression depends on their abilities and experience. They may be called upon to lead a team of engineers or head up a research centre.

Although already promising, we are only at the very beginning of artificial intelligence. Its roll-out and expansion into all sectors will require the recruitment of numerous AI talents.

*IAgénieur and AIgineer are registered trademarks protected by aivancity.