The value of cognitive computing

One of the loudest buzzwords going into 2019 in the analytics space is cognitive computing. Companies love to brand their latest machine learning product as modeled after the human brain (“cognitive”), however most are simply capitalizing on marketing hype. Most cognitive tools currently available are little more than enhanced data search products, but the area may be about to produce something of legitimate value. Data cognition engines compress vast datasets into megabyte-scale neural networks on internet-connected “smart” devices, allowing analytics on the network’s edge at an unprecedented scale. With the substantially increased edge intelligence, highly automated industries like manufacturing stand to benefit immediately from reduced time-to-insight, improved network security, and potential savings from redeployed staff due to additional automation.