[Editor's note: The following content is sponsored by MC Consultants.]
Where has artificial intelligence (AI) proven most useful so far? What industries are ahead of the curve when it comes to leveraging AI? And finally, what innovations are on the horizon?
Q: What are some practical uses for AI that you have leveraged within your business, and where have you found it most useful?
Terence Kadlec, MC Consultants: MC is exploring the uses of AI alongside trusted industry partners, specifically with AI-powered document searches. However, given the low rate of adoption and acceptance of AI entering the claims and litigation space, it’s truly learning to crawl and walk before we run. Forensic consulting, and more specifically the idea of serving as an expert witness, is very personal, to the point that AI truly can’t replace the role we play. The best way AI can help, and already is helping, my colleagues and me is using AI-powered tools to analyze large datasets that have shown potential in significantly reducing the time required to complete tasks and improving the information we rely upon.
Q: Are there any other industries you serve that you would consider to be leading the charge on AI? If so, what does that look like?
Terence Kadlec, MC Consultants: I think the claims and litigation space is truly trying to embrace the power of AI. Just look at the agenda for the upcoming CLM Annual Conference; AI is everywhere. Why? There are a lot of new tools designed for the industry, while balancing the ongoing questions and skepticism that remain. We as an industry are curious. We are skeptical. That is a great combination to force adoption into the discussion. Inherently, that means our industry is leading the charge on AI. FOR INDUSTRIES OR BUSINESSES THAT ARE LAGGING ON AI ADOPTION, WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE BIGGEST ROADBLOCKS?
Terence Kadlec, MC Consultants: No matter the tool, piece of equipment, or advanced software, the biggest roadblock facing greater adoption of AI technology remains us as humans. AI is misunderstood. A few years ago, our industry recognized AI as an Additional Insured. Not anymore. AI is a buzzword that has been given so much press with more stories talking about the perceived scary power of AI versus the good. Consider the ability for Generative AI to produce truly fake news stories, images that appear so real, or provide unapologetically wrong information with such confidence. AI is and has been ingrained in our daily lives without us realizing it. What do we need to push the needle on adoption? Education.
Q: What are some developments and innovations in AI that are on the horizon and that you are most excited about?
Terence Kadlec, MC Consultants: Unknowns are scary, but they are equally exciting. Staying connected with industry innovators and thought leaders is key, while finding ways to test new products and advances. I think what excites me the most is the collaboration with my industry colleagues on how to best implement these new tools, inherently advancing our industry’s adoption of new technologies. There’s no need to be intimidated. Let’s work together to see what works and what doesn’t.
Terence Kadlec, P.E., is senior vice president - technical services, expert - civil/structural engineer, at MC Consultants, Inc. terence.kadlec@mcconsultants.com