AI and goodbye

While the hype over artificial intelligence and machine learning continues to spread at warp speed throughout the analytics galaxy, it might be wise to back off the hyperdrive throttle just a bit to take a closer look at what lies ahead for O.R. analysts in a future world potentially dominated by AI. That’s the theme of this issue’s cover story, “Preparing for an AI future,” by Joe Byrum, chief data scientist at Principal Financial Group. The article’s subhead, “How realistic is ‘O.R. in a box’ and what does it portend for O.R. professionals,” sounds an ominous alarm.

No, AI-enhanced computers are not going to take over the world a la HAL 9000, but Byrum notes that one consultancy predicts that automation will take over 800 million jobs worldwide by 2030 and asks the question: Can such a fate befall an experienced operations research practitioner? For answers, click here.

AI is everywhere. In an interview I did with incoming INFORMS President Ramayya Krishnan on the state of the profession and his amazing career journey (page 38), AI crept into the conversation. In talking about the importance of communication, Krishnan said, “If you talk to a senior leader and ask them what makes Uber work, they’ll say … it’s computer science or AI.” His point: Senior leaders don’t use the words “operations research,” and that’s a problem that needs fixing. Coincidentally, Doug Samuelson closes this month’s issue by also referencing AI in his 183rd and final ORacle column. A fixture on the last page for more than three decades, the end of the ORacle is a bittersweet moment for both Doug and I, but not a surprise. Nothing lasts forever.

When I became editor nearly 30 years ago, Doug and Gene Woolsey were the first two INFORMS members I heard from. They both gave me a call my first week on the job: Gene to offer some choice, salty words of advice I can’t repeat here, and Doug to offer his congratulations and to introduce himself as the author of the ORacle.

Thirty years later, Doug and I still talk on the phone all the time (I know, it sounds quaint). Many of the conversations last an hour or so and cover all the usual suspects, from sports and politics to O.R. and analytics. Occasionally, the chats wander off the rails and into the weeds, but every call ends with one of us saying, “OK, back on your head.” That’s not only the signal to hang up, it’s also the punchline to a bad joke about a man who dies and goes to hell, and, well, it only gets worse once the poor fella finds out what’s really in store for him.

Along with phone chats and emails, Doug and I always make a point of getting together at INFORMS conferences for lunch or dinner. I pick up the tab to thank him for all he’s done for me and the magazines. Doug maintains I still owe him another dinner. He says it’s the least I can do. In fact, Doug has made many contributions to OR/MS Today and Analytics magazine beyond his 183 ORacle columns and who knows how many feature articles. On a personal level, he’s been a valued friend, advisor and sounding board; there’s no way I can ever thank him enough.

Sure, Doug ruffled some feathers along the way, but his column brought enjoyment, amusement and insight to his many fans. I know his readers will miss him, but I won’t. How can I? I still owe him dinner, and he’ll keep reminding me of it until I pay up, in person, over a thick steak and a glass of red wine. L’chaim!