Deloitte Makes 2017 Predictions for Machine Learning and Autonomous Technology

In a recent slate of 2017 predictions, Deloitte has said that more than 300 million smartphones, or more than one-fifth of units sold in 2017, will have machine learning capabilities within the device in the next 12 months.

The 16th edition of the “Technology, Media & Telecommunications Predictions” outlines how mobile devices will be able to perform machine learning tasks even without connectivity, which will significantly alter how humans interact with technology across every industry, market and society.  Over time, it says machine learning on-the-go will not just be limited to smartphones. These capabilities are likely to be found in millions of drones, tablets, cars, virtual or augmented reality devices, medical tools, Internet of Things (IoT) devices and unforeseen new technologies.

“Machine learning is fascinating as it will revolutionize how we conduct simple tasks like translating content, but it also has major security and health consequences that can improve societies around the world,” said Paul Sallomi, vice chairman and global industry leader, Deloitte LLP. “For example, mobile machine learning is a strong entry point to improve responses to disaster relief, help save lives with autonomous vehicles, and even turn the tide against the growing wave of cyberattacks.”

Another innovation with the power to transform the world is autonomous braking. Deloitte predicts that in 2022, in the U.S. alone, fatalities from motor vehicle accidents will have fallen by 6,000, a 16 percent decline in 2017. The greatest factor in this decline will likely be automatic emergency braking (AEB) technologies. Deloitte expects that AEB will be so widely adopted, affordable, and successful at helping to save lives that it may even slow down the movement toward full self-driving cars.

Additional findings from Deloitte's 2017 TMT predictions include: Cyberattacks enter the terabit era, averaging a terabit per second (Tbit/s) scale attack per month; Biometric security reaches the billions; Tablet sales decline; 5G makes big steps toward deployment.