AI is part of everyday life, from streaming and shopping to healthcare and navigation. Explore 10 real-world examples and learn how an online MSc in AI can help you build a future-ready career.
Not too long ago, when we heard the term artificial intelligence (AI), it was easy to think of futuristic robot armies in sci-fi movies. But now, AI isn’t just part of some far-off future.
It’s already deeply embedded into our daily lives, often in ways we don’t even realise. From the apps we use to the purchases we make, AI quietly powers many of the tools and services we rely on every day.
At its core, AI refers to systems or machines that mimic human intelligence to perform tasks. Machine learning is a particularly common subset of AI technology, which improves over time based on the data it collects. Whether it’s recommending the next show to binge-watch or helping banks detect fraud, AI’s role in the modern world is growing rapidly.
In this blog post, we’ll look at 10 examples of where you encounter AI daily. We’ll also explore how studying an MSc in Artificial Intelligence prepares you to master these technologies yourself.
Ever noticed how Netflix, Spotify, or YouTube seem to know exactly what you want next? That’s AI at work. Machine learning algorithms analyse your viewing or listening habits, compare them to millions of other users’ behaviours, and predict what you might like, keeping you hooked for hours.
When you ask Alexa to play your favourite song or Google Nest to adjust your thermostat, AI processes your request. It uses Natural Language Processing (NLP) and predictive analytics to understand and respond appropriately. These devices learn from your preferences over time, becoming smarter and more tailored to your needs.
Sites like Amazon, eBay and other online stores use AI-driven recommendation engines that monitor your browsing history, web searches, and previous purchases. This is why you’ll often see them suggest products you’re more likely to buy, or targeted ads for products you’ve searched for. Behind the scenes, complex algorithms predict your buying behaviour in real-time.
Your bank uses AI to protect your money. Machine learning systems monitor your transactions for unusual patterns, e.g., a purchase in another country. It’ll then flag or block potentially fraudulent activity. This helps banks react faster than traditional human checks ever could.
Your Facebook or Instagram feed isn’t just random. AI algorithms determine what posts appear based on your interactions, interests, and even how long you pause on certain content. It’s designed to keep you engaged by showing you more of what you enjoy (and less of what you don’t).
Siri, Cortana, and Google Assistant all rely on AI to understand your commands, answer your questions, and even anticipate your needs. They use NLP, machine learning, and vast databases to deliver helpful responses almost instantly.
Apps like Google Maps and Waze use AI to predict traffic, suggest alternative routes, and estimate arrival times. They combine historical traffic data, real-time updates from other users, and machine learning to make your journey smoother and faster.
Every day, your inbox is protected by AI. Spam filters learn from millions of emails to detect patterns of junk messages, from suspicious links to frequent keywords. Based on this information, they’ll keep them out of your primary inbox. Some systems even learn your personal preferences over time.
AI is used more and more to assist doctors by analysing scans and identifying anomalies like tumours. Systems can process thousands of medical papers in seconds to suggest treatment options, revolutionising how healthcare professionals make decisions.
Chatbots are often the first "person" you talk to when you need help online. Powered by AI, these bots handle common questions, process simple transactions, and escalate complex issues to humans when needed. They learn from every interaction to become more effective over time.
Everyday applications of AI are just the beginning. As AI continues to evolve, there’s a growing industry demand for experts who understand how these systems work. To find out more about exactly why we need AI specialists, read our blog post on the topic.
But it doesn’t just stop there. Today’s artificial intelligence professionals must understand how to build and manage AI systems ethically and responsibly.
Our online MSc in Artificial Intelligence is designed for individuals who want to be at the forefront of this technological revolution. Through a blend of practical coding skills, advanced machine learning techniques, and a critical understanding of AI’s ethical implications, you’ll learn how to:
Design and implement real-world AI solutions.
Communicate technical ideas to non-specialists.
Tackle complex challenges across industries such as healthcare, sustainability, and finance.
Critically reflect on the social, legal, and ethical impact of AI technology.
Create research-driven, ethically sound AI innovations for businesses and organisations.
You'll not only master the technical foundations but also prepare for leadership roles in a field predicted to create 133 million new jobs globally by 2030. Plus, since we're part of the prestigious Turing University Network, you’ll benefit from world-class research and industry connections.