During my ongoing visit to the US, the one aspect that impressed me the most was the widespread use of artificial intelligence (AI) in every field of life. From the moment I landed, I experienced AI in action – right at the airport. The immigration process, which is often considered slow and complicated elsewhere, was completed within seconds through automated facial and passport scanning systems powered by AI. I also noticed AI-enabled robots moving across the terminals, cleaning floors, assisting travelers and managing logistics autonomously.
Outside the airport, I witnessed how AI has revolutionised the American transport sector. Automatic cars from Tesla and Waymo were cruising swiftly on highways without human drivers. Even traffic signals were functioning under AI-driven algorithms in order to control the flow of vehicles as well as virtually eliminating traffic jams. My hotel check-in was also handled by a WhatsApp chatbot, which not only registered my stay and shared room details but even recommended meals and local attractions.
During my visit, I had the opportunity to meet officials from government and private AI institutions. I was fascinated to learn how the US government is using AI in governance to increase transparency, accountability and efficiency. AI-powered systems are helping citizens access services easily, track applications in real-time and monitor institutional performance.
In the healthcare sector, I discovered how world-class organisations such as Mayo Clinic and IBM Watson Health are using AI to detect and treat complex diseases that were once considered incurable. AI-based machine learning systems can now identify microscopic anomalies in X-rays and MRI scans. AI chatbots are diagnosing basic illnesses, recommending medicine and scheduling appointments. These advancements have transformed healthcare delivery across the US.
One of the most surprising sights was the presence of AI robots in public places, busy cleaning streets, hospitals and shopping malls. American companies are producing robots equipped with smart sensors, cameras and GPS systems that can identify pedestrians and vehicles while cleaning streets efficiently.
The education sector in the US is also rapidly integrating with AI. Modern classrooms are using intelligent systems that analyse students’ learning behaviour and preferences, recommending personalised subjects and activities. Curriculums are adapting automatically according to a student’s ability and interest. Even examinations are increasingly being conducted through AI, ensuring transparency and promoting merit.
In Los Angeles, I also had a very fruitful meeting with Dr Michael Everest, a visionary pioneer in AI-based education. During a briefing at his office, he told me that during the Covid-19 crisis, when the US faced a massive shortage of teachers, his company launched an AI education platform – edYOU – that provided virtual teacher assistants for students across major universities.
This AI-powered innovation by Dr Everest not only empowered students but also helped sustain the education system during a global emergency. Today, thousands of students learning through AI are excelling across fields and contributing to a stronger economy and society.
I also had the pleasure of meeting several Pakistani-Americans who are playing leading roles in the AI industry. Their contributions filled me with pride but also raised a question in my mind: What are we doing to prepare people of Pakistan for this rapidly changing world? Unfortunately, in Pakistan, misconceptions about AI are still widespread. Some people discourage its use by pointing to alleged misuse, while others fear losing their jobs.
However, what I am observing in the US is that AI is not at all replacing humans. In fact, it is the engine of the new global economy. The future belongs to only those nations that embrace Artificial Intelligence rather than fear it. We must realise that our hesitation today will lead to dependency on others tomorrow. Instead of resisting technological change, we should prepare our youth, industries and institutions to upgrade in this digital era.
The writer is a member of the National Assembly and patron-in-chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council. He tweets/posts RVankwani