If you have not heard, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the business space is about to get into full gear in 2019.

San Diego based software company Brain Corp announced a deal with Walmart that proves the future is now.

“Brain Corp’s BrainOS platform currently automates more than a hundred of Walmart’s fleet of commercial floor scrubbers across the United States. BrainOS provides the machines with autonomous navigation and data collection capabilities, all tied into a cloud-based reporting system,” according to a Brain Corp press release.

“Walmart expects to have 360 BrainOS-powered machines in stores by the end of its fiscal year, January 31, 2019. Walmart’s BrainOS-powered floor scrubbers allow store associates to quickly map a route during an initial training ride and then activate autonomous floor cleaning with the press of a single button. The robot uses multiple sensors to scan its surroundings for people and obstacles, providing the industry’s highest level of safety and performance.”

Yesterday, a news story was published regarding Walmart’s testing of a robot to do another job.

According to Yahoo Finance, “Walmart (WMT) is in the early stages of testing a kitchen robot assistant named ‘Flippy’ at its Bentonville, Arkansas, headquarters to see whether or not it’s the right fit for its in-store delis. Flippy is the world’s first autonomous robotic kitchen assistant powered by artificial intelligence from Miso Robotics, a two-year-old startup. The robot made headlines a year ago, debuting as the burger-flipping robot at a CaliBurger franchise in Pasadena.”

The story also states, “ Flippy got a gig at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles with vending food service company Levy Restaurants, part of Compass Group, to fry up chicken tenders and tater tots. Through the World Series, Flippy churned out 17,000 pounds worth of the fried foods. It’s able to fry up to eight baskets of food simultaneously.

None of these stories are meant to scare anyone. Instead, these facts should get a person to realize technological advances changing our society will be the new norm.

Heading into 2019, people considering job changes should think about obtaining an education in science, technology, engineering or math based career fields.

Meanwhile, small business owners ought to think about ways to improve what they do or provide in order to compete. Here are some ideas to consider.

Technology Will Not Replace

the Human Touch.

“Technology is always improving, and with the latest and greatest tempting every organization, we need to keep in mind that AI and predictive analytics will not replace the human when it comes to delivering the customer experience. While there are definitely some great opportunities ahead for AI … it will not be a true game-changer, at least in the next year. AI can really be thought of as ‘augmented intelligence,’ because it can augment the human, giving people better information, greater insight and the ability to perform their roles better,” according to Claire Sporton, senior vice president of customer experience innovation at Confirmit

Genuine Relationships

Beat Technology

“Technology runs our lives more than ever, but it is relationships that drive business and commerce, so people will find more ways to connect in person to build trust and strengthen connections. Make sure you offer several ways to talk with [customers] and get to know them. Algorithms can only tell you so much about a customer, [but] transactions are driven by relationships. Use automation where you can, but do not ignore the power of the personal touch,” according to Paige Arnof-Fenn, founder and CEO of Mavens & Moguls.

Education and human interaction are concepts that will allow us to remain relevant in a new economy.

As fast as the playing field is changing for skilled and unskilled workers along with business owners, opportunities abound.

How you find them and benefit is contingent on being adaptable to the market place.

Yes, tomorrow is here.