In the past few decades the internet has revolutionised the way companies do business, bringing access to new markets and new opportunities. Now technology is handing us a new revolution, in the form of artificial intelligence.

From machine learning-driven software to smart robotics, the business world is facing unprecedented automation, transforming the operations, activities and workforce of businesses big and small.

But this explosion of innovation comes with its own challenges. Companies are tasked with getting onboard with the right technologies at the right time, or risk being left behind as the market transforms around them.

Which is why we’ve launched Verdict AI. This is a magazine for everyone – whether working for a major corporation or running a small company – who wants to make AI work for their business. We provide detailed insight into the companies providing serious innovation in AI, as well as the latest developments in operations-transforming robotics and efficiency improving automation.

So in issue one of Verdict AI, we’re taking a look at some of the technologies and innovations that could make a real difference to your business.

We look at the growing field of robotics leasing, with insight from a company supplying humanoid robot workers to manufacturers and other small businesses in Germany, and find out how the industrial robotics sector is set for a market explosion.

Plus, we find out how banking is being transformed by AI, as well as the potential such technologies have in the healthcare sector, and discover the wider business sentiment and trends around AI globally.

And if that wasn’t enough, we also hear from Misty Robotics, a spinout of beloved robot toymaker Sphero, about its plans for personal office robots, as well as find out how driverless delivery vehicles could revolutionise the e-commerce market for fast-moving consumer goods.

For all this, and more, continue reading this first issue of Verdict AI.

Lucy Ingham

Editor