I had the privilege of presenting at REAM 2024 (Reunion of the Americas), an event that unites producers and buyers from the Rendering, Feed and Petfood, Biodiesel, Fat, UCOs, and Oleochemicals industries under one roof. Hosted by ABRA (Brazilian Renderers Association) and AgriGlobal Market, the event took place on September 3rd, 4th, and 5th, 2024, at the Convention Center Plaza Mayor in Medellín, Colombia.
Firstly, a big thank you to AgriGlobal Market and ABRA for the invitation and the opportunity to connect with such a dynamic and diverse group of industry leaders. It was an incredible experience to exchange ideas and learn from the community.
During my session, I explored the world of Artificial Intelligence beyond the buzzwords. AI is no longer just a futuristic concept; it’s here, and it’s reshaping industries in ways that were once only imagined. But here’s the catch: we’re just scratching the surface. AI is about more than just fancy algorithms and eye-catching tech demos—it’s about practical, everyday applications that can transform businesses from the ground up.
Moving Past the AI Hype
It’s easy to get lost in the hype around AI—who hasn’t heard the bold claims of machines that can think like humans? But the real story lies in how AI can be used to make our lives easier, our businesses more efficient, and our industries more innovative. I delved into the current state of AI, sharing key statistics that paint a realistic picture of where we are and, more importantly, where we’re heading.
One of the key points of my presentation was the emergence of AI agents that can perform tasks in ways that closely mimic human actions. This evolution is pushing the boundaries of what we consider possible. Imagine AI agents autonomously managing tasks such as customer service, financial analysis, and even creative processes like content generation. This is not science fiction—it’s the next step in the evolution of how we work and live.
The Next Steps: AI Agents and Automation
As we look to the future, the next frontier for AI is clear: developing AI agents that can autonomously execute tasks, make decisions, and continuously learn from their environments. These agents have the potential to revolutionize industries by taking over repetitive tasks, thus freeing up human talent to focus on strategic, high-value activities.
In a world where time is our most valuable asset, AI promises to give us more of it. It aligns with the broader theme of my work—what I call the “8 Types of Freedom,” a concept that emphasizes living abundantly by optimizing and automating the mundane aspects of business and life. In fact, one of my favorite quotes from Henry David Thoreau comes to mind: “A man is rich in proportion to the number of things he can afford to let alone.” Letting AI handle the repetitive, time-consuming tasks is a step towards this kind of freedom.
REAM – AI Presentation by RegyAndrade by ReginaldoClosing Thoughts
REAM 2024 was not just about discussing the present but about envisioning the future—a future where technology and human ingenuity work hand in hand to tackle the challenges of our time. From rendering to biodiesel, the potential applications of AI are vast and varied. And it’s up to us, as innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders, to harness this potential and drive it forward.
A heartfelt thank you to all who attended my session and engaged with the ideas presented. The real power of events like REAM lies in the conversations that follow—in the business cards exchanged, the partnerships formed, and the new ventures conceived.
Stay tuned for more insights as we continue to explore the transformative potential of AI and other emerging technologies in the months and years ahead. Let’s keep pushing the boundaries and turning the hype into real, tangible progress.