Redefining possible: AI now and tomorrow

The technological age is fast-moving in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which continues to enhance our lives through automation.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the leading technology driving the change. AI is maturing, and there are a growing number of successful proof-of-concept (POC) projects in federal agencies. Meanwhile, industry has proven the value of AI across mission and back-office operations. 

While data access and management persist as the pervasive problem – albeit solvable – many of the security, responsible use and ethical application problems are already solved. Public- and private-sector organizations are now turning their attention to enterprise AI deployment.

I heard this repeatedly at CGI’s recent Innovation Day, attended by 50 government technical and business decision makers representing six regulatory agencies. The all-day event showcased 14 POCs across multiple dimensions of AI that demonstrate how CGI redefined possible with automation in discrete use cases. Together, these projects proved that AI can improve security, increase accuracy, speed results, reduce errors and scale as needed. 

Spanning a breadth of AI types including analytical, visual, functional, textual and interactive, these POCs exhibited intelligent systems which:

• Parse big data sets for crucial insights: This POC identifies chemical analogs and estimates toxicity risk during the evaluation of new substances developed by chemical manufacturers. Utilizing large language models (LLMs) and natural language understanding, the system takes known information about the new substance and answers complex questions, such as reactivity, physical properties, and volatility based on located analogues. 
• Surface essential hidden patterns in data: One of our projects leverages automated text search and pattern recognition technologies to comb through call center interactions and identify trends, issues and opportunities. These insights can aid decision-making, training, and improved operational efficiency. This system can also provide real-time analysis, enabling quick response to emerging issues. 
• Analyze, classify, and quickly route documents: A POC automating document intake leverages AI and machine learning to analyze incoming PDF documents. This solution classifies documents into categories and suggests appropriate workflows, so that humans can focus their time on complex tasks. 
• Monitor real-time significant events: Our partner, AWS, demoed a system that enhances fraud detection by leveraging advanced AI technologies to improve accuracy, efficiency and reliability, helping organizations effectively manage and mitigate fraud risks.
• Secure federal buildings and enhance citizen safety: This POC leverages advanced AI and machine learning technologies to help agencies analyze security camera footage to detect anomalies, identify potential threats, safety violations, and enhance surveillance efforts in government buildings and facilities, enabling quick law enforcement response.

A glimpse of tomorrow

So, what’s next? In terms of technology, I believe we’ll see significant advancements in multi-model AI, Application Programming Interface (API)-driven AI, microservices, digital human and digital twins, augmented working, and AI in cyber operations.  

In the spirit of redefining possible, however, the concept of AI agents holds the most promise. A system of interconnected AI agents could revolutionize numerous sectors, creating a highly automated and intelligent ecosystem. These agents, operating collaboratively across various domains such as healthcare, transportation, finance and smart cities, could lead to unprecedented levels of efficiency, personalized services and proactive problem-solving.

Meanwhile, look for accelerating AI adoption in FY25. We will see the first enterprise deployments of AI beyond POCs. To ensure safe, responsible, ethical and valuable use of AI, agencies will need to leverage a framework informed by government policies and industry expertise.  

CGI is working on such a framework with AWS. In the coming months we will provide details on how agencies can leverage this framework in the next phase of their AI journey.

Learn how we are empowering federal agencies with AI benefits of realization, insights and efficiencies