Everyone knows the story: the rapid development of technology advances to a point beyond human control, machines become self-aware, the battle robots begin to wreak havoc, and we all rally behind John Connor or Neo in a last ditch effort to save humanity.
Singularity is a hypothetical point in time at which technological growth becomes uncontrollable and irreversible, resulting in unforeseeable changes to human civilization– stories like these permeate popular culture, indicative of our fascination with (and fear of) the breakneck pace of technological advancement in the Information Age.
These dystopian fantasies seem to always occur in the uncanny valley, where societies are either past the point of their own destruction or on the cusp of something terrible. Seldom do these stories take the time to focus on the apex of living harmoniously with artificial intelligence, and it seems impossible for sci-fi writers to consider AI that doesn’t automatically want to destroy the human race.
Before we are forced to serve our robot overlords, the integration of AI and robotics can be seen as an incredibly valuable asset across a wide range of industries – making business more efficient, more productive, and less expensive. This is particularly true for the cannabis industry, which has seen significant advancements in implementing smart technologies, helping cultivators, distributors, and dispensaries provide the best possible products to clients and consumers.
Below, we’ll look at some of the ways AI and robotics innovations are making changes in the cannabis industry and how stakeholders are taking advantage of these technologies to maximize their business effectiveness.
Enhanced Analytics and Intelligent Prediction
One of the biggest benefits to cannabis businesses that integrate AI driven ERP software solutions is enhancing data analytics and predictive applications. Smart systems learn from the successful completion of every task and the sheer volume of data that AI can analyze is staggering compared to humans.
Strategic business decisions become more effective, and planning for the future of the cannabis market can be significantly improved. Cannabis companies can use supply chain and sales analytics to lower costs and maximize profits while applying predictive analytics to marketplace activities to help cannabis businesses get more significant returns on investments.
Biotech Cultivation
AI and robotics are also impacting the cultivation side of the cannabis industry in a major way. The science of cannabis farming can be complex, and optimizing the production process is a key factor for successful operations.
AI-driven cultivation technologies help a cultivator manage crops with advanced monitoring and control of growing environments. Real-time nutrient analysis, growth tracking, and strain-specific optimization activities are provided, and larger operations implement robotic systems to aid with planting and harvesting.
Check out the cannabis robot made by Bloom Automation that makes trimming plants more precise and efficient.
Administrative Automation
Every cannabis business spends time and resources on burdensome administrative tasks, but AI is easing the strain. Automated accounting, inventory management, IT management, marketing, and automated product quality assurance can significantly lower costs for cannabis businesses while increasing the efficacy of the work.
Seed-to-sale tracking, record keeping, and reporting become more manageable, and AI offers continuous advancements to make the consumer experience progressively better.
See how Strain Brain helps customers find the best strain to meet their needs of the moment.
Regulatory Compliance
Perhaps the most crucial issue for any cannabis operation is maintaining 100% compliance with all municipal, state, and federal regulations related to the industry. Non-compliance can significantly impact a business, leading to hefty fines and possible criminal penalties.
Artificially intelligent record-keeping lets businesses comply with reporting regulations, with certain ERP software solutions integrating with governmental reporting software. Strain-specific THC, terpene, and CBD control ensure cultivators meet production regulations, and AI accounting can help a cannabis business comply with IRS code 280E.
Facility security driven by AI offers the necessary regulatory compliance while providing the best possible protection for cultivators, manufacturers, and dispensaries alike.
Bring in the Robots
Assuming that the cannabis droids don’t rise up against us, the benefits to the industry are undeniable. With all this in mind, let’s hold off before condemning the innovations and progress in AI and robotics.
Give your cannabots a “Turing Test” and make sure they follow Azimov’s “Three Laws,” and you’ll be protecting humanity while optimizing the benefits for your cannabis business and its stakeholders.
