- South Africans’ interest in AI is growing rapidly, with significant increases in searches for “what is AI” and “how to use AI”, according to data from Google.
- AI-related searches have surged globally and locally, with South Africa seeing a 120% increase compared to last year.
- Companies like Legal Interact, Amazon, and JD.com are leveraging AI for virtual legal advice, automated checkouts, and drone deliveries.
In the ever-changing and fast-paced world of digitisation, South Africans are catching on to the latest technological trend: Artificial Intelligence (AI).
According to Google data, there is a growing interest in AI among South Africans, with searches for “what is AI” increasing by 20% and “how to use AI” spiking by 70%.
The surge in AI interest is wider than in South Africa. Google has revealed that AI-related searches have increased more locally and globally than ever. In South Africa alone, searches for AI have risen by 120% compared to the same time last year, and locals are eager to use AI to enhance their professional lives.
Popular searches include “AI image generator,” “AI writer,” “online AI chat,” and “logo maker AI,” all of which have seen a staggering growth of over 5 000% in interest compared to the previous year.
Additionally, searches for “AI jobs” and “AI courses” have spiked by over 80%, while “AI and business” searches have doubled by over 100%. Searches for “AI and start-ups” have also risen by 30%.
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“AI has the potential to create opportunities—from the extraordinary to the everyday—for everyone, bringing new waves of innovation, social, and economic progress.
“So it’s no surprise that the people of South Africa are already looking to make the most of this transformational technology, finding ways to learn more AI skills to boost their career, creativity, and society,” said Paul Mayanja, acting Google SA country director.
The use of AI by companies in South Africa
While many are still figuring out how to meaningfully incorporate AI into their professional and personal lives, some big companies, both locally and internationally, have already found ways to use this revolutionary tool to boost their businesses and help others.
Recently, legal practice management software Legal Interact launched an AI chatbot to advise the public on matters virtually. Dubbed “My AI Lawyer,” the AI-powered chatbot is designed to provide easy, helpful, and affordable legal advice 24/7.
Amazon
In addition to the AI voice assistant Alexa, Amazon uses AI through its Amazon Go store, where artificial intelligence technology tracks what items customers pick up and automatically charges them for those items through the Amazon Go mobile app.
With no physical checkout, shoppers bring their own bags to fill up with items, while cameras watch their every move to identify each item put in their bag, ultimately charging them and sending a receipt when they get home.
Drone deliveries
JD.com, often referred to as the Chinese version of Amazon, is working towards having the company 100% automated in the future. Currently, its warehouse is already fully automated, with the company making drone deliveries of packages for the last few years.Samsung Bespoke AI
In August, Samsung South Africa introduced its Bespoke AI range at the Samsung Experience Store, Design Quarter, Johannesburg.
The intimate event showcased the latest line up of refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and SmartThings under the brand’s Bespoke umbrella first launched in 2019.
With a view to helping people save time, energy, and money with convenient and personalised features, the brand has incorporated the latest AI technology and IOT capabilities in sleek, customisable home appliances with impressive features.
“Samsung is pioneering the era of automation by integrating industry-leading AI technology into our home appliances,” said Mark Mackay, head of home appliances at Samsung South Africa. “The amazing future home life made possible by Bespoke AI appliances doesn’t just make life easier for consumers. Today, we see a paradigm shift from design-centric to a seamless blend of design meets technology – AI and SmartThings – bringing a seamless and effortless home experience that enables an intelligent way of living, giving you more free time and bigger savings.”
After introducing innovations to the Bespoke range every year since 2019, Samsung has expanded its AI Energy Mode — an innovative SmartThings feature that monitors energy consumption.
“Combining connectivity, AI and sustainability, Bespoke AI improves users’ lives by reducing the time and energy required for housework while being mindful of the environment. Samsung aims to keep evolving in its next vision of Bespoke home appliances,” said the brand.The latest Bespoke AI range includes devices like the Bespoke AI four-door fridge with a “See-Thru” door with main features including: AI, Smart Things triple cooling, Bespoke Design with “See Thru” door with welcome lighting that allows you to access the device’s hygienic beverage centre.
The latest products in the range have also been fitted with a new high-efficiency compressor backed by a 20-year warranty.
Other Bespoke AI home appliances launched this year include the Bespoke AI front loader washing machine in 12KG, 16KG and 18kg, a washer-dryer combo and a Bespoke AI dishwasher.
– Additional reporting by Kaunda Selisho.
