Latest news with #NLP
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Logistics parks, tech, and ONDC to drive AllCargo Gati's next phase: MD and CEO Ketan Kulkarni
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Logistics major AllCargo Gati is aligning itself with India's National Logistics Policy and the PM Gati Shakti vision by deepening MSME engagement, building new logistics parks , embracing green energy, and joining the ONDC network. In an exclusive interview with ET Online, Ketan Kulkarni, MD & CEO of AllCargo Gati Express and Supply Chain Pvt. Ltd, discusses the company's strategies to scale up operations, support small businesses, and minimise carbon footprints. Edited excerpts:: We have aligned our operations with the NLP and Gati Shakti initiative. With our reach spanning over 19,800 pin codes, we ensure connectivity to even remote regions. Aligned with NLP's goal to reduce logistics costs and improve service delivery, we've implemented efficiency-enhancing measures, reduced transit times, and strengthened last-mile digital transformation and automation efforts have streamlined operations, providing real-time visibility and data-driven solutions. We also focus on empowering MSMEs by providing customised logistics solutions that enhance their the backbone of India's economy, often struggle to access reliable and cost-effective logistics. Many operate with limited resources and need partners who offer flexibility, consistency, and reach—without added complexity or provide end-to-end logistics, door-to-door pickup and delivery, cash-on-delivery, and custom packaging, enhancing operational ease and business engage with MSME clusters nationwide, including Solapur, Ludhiana, Meerut, Agra, Moradabad, Saharanpur, Chickpet, Tiruppur, Doddaballapur, and Sivakasi. Our programmes support supply chain optimisation, packaging, digital enablement, and reliable connectivity, helping these businesses scale beyond local our infrastructure and tech-driven approach, Allcargo Gati is more than a service provider; we're a growth partner helping MSMEs India's logistics sector expanding, driven by infrastructure investments, logistics parks have become vital. These modern facilities integrate warehousing, cargo handling, and multimodal transport, acting as hubs for storage, distribution, and value-added services. They help businesses optimise operations, reduce transit times, and lower Allcargo Gati, logistics parks are core to our hub-and-spoke model. They serve as strategic bases extending express distribution to smaller cities and towns. This structure ensures faster, dependable service, especially crucial for manufacturing hubs, e-commerce zones, pharma corridors, and agri-markets. By leveraging these parks, we scale operations while contributing to a future-ready logistics already operate parks in key hubs like Farukhnagar, Guwahati, Nagpur, Bhiwandi, Bangalore, Indore, and Vijayawada. These support cargo handling, warehousing, and regional distribution. We're expanding with new parks in Chennai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Raipur, and Patna. These parks improve cargo turnaround, reduce dwell time, and enhance last-mile delivery by serving as consolidation points. By combining warehousing, multimodal transport, and value-added services, they ensure better coordination, cost efficiency, and operational control. This is especially vital for time-sensitive sectors like e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and are building a technology-driven ecosystem, using AI and IoT for route optimisation, real-time tracking, and predictive planning—cutting transit times, fuel usage, and inefficiencies. Our move to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure has improved system uptime, speed, and order management visibility. Our logistics parks are equipped with modern handling tools and dedicated fleets, ensuring faster turnaround. Advanced track-and-trace systems offer real-time updates and better inventory control. We remain focused on system integration, data consistency, and cybersecurity to deliver scalable, efficient, and trustworthy with ONDC enables us to directly connect with customers nationwide, offering reliable, tech-enabled logistics to businesses of all sizes—from MSMEs to large enterprises. This helps streamline deliveries, optimise supply chains, and boost operational efficiency. Direct links with consumers build engagement, loyalty, and repeat business through more personalised a government-backed platform, ONDC strengthens our position in India's digital economy. It enhances our network capacity, improves our hub-and-spoke model, and supports the adoption of advanced tech to meet rising e-commerce demand across are integrating sustainability across operations, focusing on carbon reduction through Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) and resource optimisation. AFVs are now deployed across India for first and last-mile deliveries. This supports our broader goal of becoming carbon neutral by are also increasing solar energy use. Our five solar-powered facilities across India generate 3.75 lakh units annually, reducing CO₂ emissions by 2.77 lakh tonnes. An additional 500 kWp of solar capacity is in the pipeline, furthering our renewable energy commitment.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Hans India
AI-powered digital literacy platform empowers poor students
Visakhapatnam: Notwithstanding resource constraints and on a shoestring budget, a distinguished professor with an indomitable will managed to reach out to disadvantaged students in five villages of Pendurthi mandal in Visakhapatnam and, with his team, made learning fun for the digital have-nots. Thanks to his indefatigable efforts, some of the students now know pretty well how to access digital lessons, post queries, view video classes, and share best practices. Prof Meka James Stephen, Chair Professor of Dr. BR Ambedkar Chair, Andhra University, embarked upon a short-term research project that focused on 'digital education for social justice: achieving equal opportunities through Sustainable Development Goal-4 in rural India', the path ahead was not that easy as children used to shy away when the team approached them. Besides, there were resource constraints and lack of infrastructure. That, however, did not deter the 15-member-team and over 30 facilitators, led by James Stephen, from reaching out to the marginalised communities residing in five hamlets of Pendurthi – Pinagadi, Rampuram, Karakavanipalem, Gorepalli and Kotnivanipalem and encouraging the wards help browse beyond their favourite YouTube channels, reels and movies to add value to their education via a digital journey. After making repeated field visits, followed by a detailed survey, Prof James Stephen says that a comprehensive framework for a customised AI-driven digital literacy platform was initiated. 'By integrating advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing (NLP) and scalable cloud infrastructure, the platform delivered relevant and personalised digital learning portions to students,' the Chair Professor highlights. Multilingual support, 'gamified 'content, real-time analytics, and hybrid infrastructure that supports both online and offline access formed part of the key features of the digital literacy project. 'To access AI-driven content, mobile phones were used. Children were able to access digital lessons and go through the content whenever they wanted to,' explains Prof. James Stephen, who was recently honoured with the 'Global Research Excellence Award' at the Nexus Synergy Awards 2025, Europe in recognition of his outstanding contributions to research and social innovation. Also, as a keynote speaker at the Springer international conference 'Networking International Conference on Emerging Trends in Expert Applications and Security' held in Poland, he highlighted technological interventions for marginalised communities. The short-term research-based project in Pedurthi empowered over 250 students aged between 10 and 18 years in the five villages with digital literacy. 'Post our literacy intervention, their ability to use digital tools shot up to 97 per cent from a mere 21 per cent before. There is an apparent shift in their subject-wise understanding as most of them crossed 60 per cent in their test scores. And their comfort level in accessing digital content rose to 88 per cent from 18 per cent before,' exults Prof. James Stephen. But in order to scale up the prototype project to a real-time application, the Chair Professor says, infusion of additional funds is required. 'With the support of government funds, IoT-enabled devices and a cloud-based set-up could be designed to cater to a large section of rural students for digital literacy,' James Stephen shares with The Hans India. A multilingual NLP interface with speech-to-text and text-to-speech conversion made content accessibility much easier for students.
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
What is Speech to Text?
Technology continues to evolve, making our lives more convenient and efficient. One such innovation is speech-to-text technology, a tool that converts spoken language into written text. This technology is transforming the way we interact with devices, offering a hands-free and efficient method for capturing information. Speech-to-text technology, also known as voice recognition or dictation software, uses advanced algorithms to process spoken words and convert them into text. This technology relies on machine learning and natural language processing (NLP) to accurately interpret speech patterns, accents, and nuances. By analyzing audio input, speech-to-text systems can transcribe conversations, commands, and dictations into written form. The process begins with capturing audio through a microphone or recording device. The speech-to-text software then analyzes the sound waves, identifying phonetic patterns and linguistic structures. Using a combination of acoustic models and language models, the software predicts the most likely words and phrases, converting them into text. This process is continually refined through machine learning, improving accuracy over time. Speech-to-text technology has a wide range of applications across various industries: Accessibility: It provides an essential tool for individuals with disabilities, allowing them to communicate and interact with technology more easily. Productivity: Professionals use speech-to-text for dictating emails, creating documents, and taking notes, saving time and reducing manual typing. Customer Service: Call centers utilize speech-to-text to transcribe customer interactions, enabling better analysis and service improvement. Content Creation: Writers and bloggers use speech-to-text to quickly capture ideas and draft content, enhancing creativity and efficiency. Benefits of Speech to Text The advantages of speech-to-text technology are numerous: Efficiency: It speeds up the process of converting speech into text, allowing for quick documentation and communication. Accuracy: Advanced algorithms ensure high accuracy, even with diverse accents and speech patterns. Convenience: Users can dictate text hands-free, making it ideal for multitasking and on-the-go situations. Speech-to-text technology is revolutionizing the way we interact with devices, offering a seamless and efficient method for converting spoken language into written text. As this technology continues to advance, it promises to enhance accessibility, productivity, and creativity across various fields. Whether you're a professional looking to boost efficiency or someone seeking greater accessibility, speech-to-text is a powerful tool worth exploring. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Forbes
2 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
AI For Good: Beyond Efficiencies Into Education, Economy And Health
Jennifer Sanders, Executive Director, North Texas Innovation Alliance; Cofounder, National Smart Coalitions Partnership. These days, AI is everywhere. It's popping up in our business operations, social media and even government. In fact, AI is projected to contribute nearly $20 trillion to the global economy through 2030, and the race to capture that reality is on. But while it's easy to focus on the ways AI makes our lives more convenient—like finishing that annual report or deciding which TV show to binge next—there's a bigger question: Can AI be a force for good in accessing services for those often left behind—and for the professionals who serve them? And, are we using it the right way? When we look at the technology through this lens, we can start to see the full picture of what AI can be. It has an important role to play in healthcare, education, mental health and public services—and in easing some of the strain on the professionals providing these services, whether teachers, doctors or public servants. Healthcare Access Affordable, quality healthcare remains a major challenge in many communities due to a lack of access and high costs. In fact, in Dallas County, where my organization is based, there is more than a 20-year difference in life expectancy between ZIP codes with varying socioeconomic levels, according to a 2019 study by UT Southwestern Medical Center. With AI, and natural language processing (NLP) in particular, I believe we have an opportunity to help address these disparities in meaningful ways. For instance, NLP-powered tools can translate medical information in real time, making it easier for non-English-speaking patients to communicate with their healthcare providers. But that's only the beginning. Some companies are taking things a step further with their applications of AI. Hippocratic AI, for example, developed an agentic AI tool that helps with managing non-diagnostic medical tasks, like reviewing medication instructions and answering patients' questions. Another example is SilverStone Health. With unique challenges in treating aging populations, SilverStone's integrated model—which includes home health, palliative care and hospice—uses AI to help ensure a smooth transition between different levels of care. In areas where patient loads are increasingly limiting, I believe AI can be used to help support more patients accessing quality managed care with continued oversight by a human. Could organizations create tools that help create a healthcare system where access no longer limits the quality of care someone receives? Education And Upskilling Education has always been a key pathway to opportunity, and AI is transforming this by enabling more personalized and adaptive learning experiences. For example, AI-driven tools can make a meaningful difference for immigrant and refugee students, who often face challenges related to language proficiency and other factors. By offering individualized learning plans and real-time feedback, AI can help students progress at their own pace, regardless of their English proficiency. Additionally, interactive AI-powered chatbots can provide intuitive supplemental lessons for students and help them catch up on lagging skills. Through tools that drive and shape exercise cadence, including the content itself and the manner in which lessons are communicated, students of all learning styles can receive the support they need, particularly in schools lacking dedicated staff to provide individual support. This can not only support academic success but also foster technological literacy. In a job market that increasingly demands digital skills, preparing students early with these skills opens doors to future careers. In fact, in late May, the European Commission and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development released a draft framework for teaching AI literacy in schools. Mental Health Access With growing awareness around mental health, resources have expanded through teletherapy and more affordable options for care. AI-based solutions have the potential to provide even greater accessibility. Virtual therapy platforms and AI-driven diagnostic tools, for example, can make it easier for individuals to seek support without the stigma that is often associated with in-person therapy in some communities. For example, Texas-based MyCHN offers a free AI-powered mental health app to uninsured, underinsured and low-income patients to expand access. The app provides confidential support and can help address the growing needs of vulnerable communities. This can act as a first step for individuals hesitant to seek traditional therapy. Or, consider Eleos Health, which uses AI to streamline behavioral health workflows. This can help reduce documentation time so physicians can focus on engagement and care quality. In partnership with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Eleos aims to expand access to AI-driven tools, education and research, the National Council said in a July 2024 press release announcing the partnership. Public Services And Disaster Response In times of public safety and disaster response, timely and clear communication is critical. Communities, particularly those in urban or environmentally vulnerable areas, can benefit from AI tools in disaster preparation and resource distribution. The tech can be used to predict and prepare for natural disasters, including wildfires, improving the speed and accuracy of emergency responses. These tools can improve communication between communities and government, providing timely information on everything from safety alerts to city services. In situations where immediate, clear information is critical, AI can be used to help break down barriers and ensure citizens have access to essential resources. The Advantage: Real-Time Communication And Understanding As we continue to develop and deploy these technologies, it is essential for leaders developing AI solutions to prioritize inclusivity and ensure AI serves as a tool for good—one that can reach those who stand to benefit in a meaningful way. In my organization, for example, identifying the highest value intersection between AI's potential internal benefits—like time, resources and ability to scale—and external benefits—like shrinking access gaps that inhibit social and economic outcomes—are factors we consider in designing our programs in workforce, education and health. Companies are already showcasing the diverse ways in which AI is being deployed to meet needs and help pave the way for a healthier, safer and educated society. With responsible use and community-focused innovation, I believe AI can become a force for social and economic progress across geography and economic resources. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
4 Ways Businesses Should Be Using AI Chatbots Now
Photo by Growtika on Unsplash AI chatbots may resemble their old, less-intelligent predecessors, but appearances are where the similarities end. Rather than operating off of a narrow (and often unhelpful) script, AI chatbots use natural language processing (NLP) to offer nuanced responses to complicated questions. At my company, Jotform, we've been going full steam ahead on our AI-powered chatbots and have discovered a slew of interesting ways they can help us serve our customers better. While we initially assumed most users would rely on them for customer support, the data has actually revealed several other uses we didn't expect. Let's dig into them. Customer Service As mentioned above, customer support is the marquee offering of AI chatbots, and it's worth talking about. Customers have come to expect lightning-fast response times at every hour. The chatbots of old may not have slept, but they also weren't very helpful. How many times have you painstakingly typed a question into the input field, only to be met with a series of canned, useless responses that did nothing to resolve your query? Today's chatbots, in contrast, can engage in meaningful, multi-turn conversations—answering complex questions, handling follow-ups, and even escalating issues when necessary. They don't just regurgitate a fixed script; they respond based on the user's actual needs. Anyone running a business should instantly see the value of having an automated support staff of highly capable chatbots. Take the media hosting service Photobucket, for example: After implementing their customer service-based AI agents, the company has seen a three percent increase in customer satisfaction and a 17 percent improvement in first resolution times. That means fewer frustrated customers and fewer support tickets passed on to human staff. Lead Generation With AI chatbots, businesses no longer have to wait for users to start a conversation. Instead, they're able to capture the information up front—sometimes before the user even makes the first move. We noticed this trend especially when analyzing AI agents embedded on websites. Instead of passively waiting to respond, many bots kick things off with a question like: 'Can I get your email in case we get disconnected?' It's a soft, helpful ask, but it's also a strategic one. In the course of chatting with a customer, chatbots can also collect useful information like pages visited, geolocation, and preferences. Lots of entrepreneurs are getting wise to this inventive use of their embedded chatbots. One poster on the EntrepreneurRideAlong subreddit commented that they're 'getting way more leads through the chatbot than we ever did with static forms.' 'My theory is that chat feels more immediate and interactive to visitors,' they added. 'They're more likely to engage, whereas with a form they might think 'they probably won't get back to me for a while' and just bounce.' Our data has led us to the same conclusion. Even better, chatbots can then pass along this valuable data to marketing teams, who can use it to identify trends and consumer insights they may not have had before. New Ways To Search There's been a lot of chatter about how AI is replacing traditional search, but how about all the ways it can be used to find information on a single website? For example, a close friend who is planning a wedding recently complained to me about the lack of pricing transparency on venues' websites. Sometimes, the information wasn't there at all; other times, it was buried so deep in a labyrinth of dropdown menus it was exasperating to find. Instead of going on a wild goose chase for answers that may not even exist, AI chatbots can help by instantly pinpointing the information you're looking for. For example, a visitor might type, 'What's your return policy?' or 'Do you offer enterprise pricing?' Instead of being taken to a generic FAQ page, they receive a direct, conversational response. Navigation Closely related to on-site search—but distinct in its purpose—is the role of AI agents in website navigation. While search is about finding specific answers or content, navigation is about directing users to the appropriate place. Think about how often visitors land on a website, unsure of where to start. Take financial service sites—with separate sections dedicated to disparate functions like paying bills, making trades, or just looking up an account balance, navigating them can be tricky and frustrating. An AI agent can step in as a digital guide, asking a simple question like 'What are you looking to do today?' and then directing the user to the correct page—whether it's to schedule a payment, review recent transactions, or open a new account. AI chatbots are increasingly indispensable as customer service agents. But that's hardly where their use ends. For us, they've also proven to be effective lead generators, savvy search guides and navigation experts that helpfully get users where they want to go. As AI technology continues to evolve, businesses that embrace these expanded capabilities won't just improve the customer experience—they'll gain a competitive edge.
