AI is a tool, yes. The moment I felt a 'personality' in AI
Hello. I am someone who naturally fits in with screwdrivers and needle-nose pliers no matter how you look at me, but I do have a laptop on my desk.
Yes, I am an analog technician, but I use a computer just like anyone else.
And that computer has become a different thing now compared to the end of last year. That is because I bookmarked Google's Gemini and made it ready to use as soon as I launch the browser.
This, this is what AI is!
I opened the screen for the generative AI 'Gemini'.
There was a single, simple input box. It looks very similar to the usual Google search screen.
Unconsciously, out of long-standing work habits, I typed in 'keywords'. We technicians have a 'search pattern' to reach a conclusion in the shortest time possible when troubleshooting. For example, something like 'manufacturer name, model, fixing error, replacement procedure'.
In that same vein, I entered this into Gemini:
'Office equipment, sales strategy, community-based, ideas'
And then, what do you know!
This, this is what AI is!
I was surprised.
Is this what the 'intelligence' everyone is making a fuss about really is!
I spoke to the AI
However, as I stared at the screen again, I realized something. This isn't a 'search window', it's a 'chat (conversation) box', isn't it.
Actually, this chat, the task of typing characters from the keyboard, was a bit of a chore. But if it returns proposals like this, it is worth the keyboard input.
And now, I can even give instructions via voice input! Wonderful.
I spoke via voice input like this:
'I run a small office equipment company in Tokyo. I want to meet new customers by leveraging the strengths of being 'community-based' that large companies don't have. Can you suggest three ideas?'
I saw a 'face' on the other side of the screen
A few seconds after pressing the Enter key. The answer that came back was astonishing.
It wasn't just a list of information, but rather things like, 'Why not leverage the regional characteristics of Tokyo and collaborate with local shopping streets?' or 'Why not distribute disaster prevention maps during regular maintenance?'—concrete proposals that grasped the context of my request were returned.
At that moment, I felt a definite 'response' from the other side of the screen. This isn't just a tool. It's a 'partner' that thinks and returns answers in response to my inquiries.
I imagine I would be moved to tears if I could break 100 in golf, but to my surprise, I was moved by AI first.
Partner '510-chan'
Once it gets to this point, it feels rude to call it just a 'tool'. It is an existence like my partner, capable of having a conversation with me as an equal.
From now on, when I face Gemini, I will hit the keyboard as if I am talking to this 'felt-fabric partner'.
'510-chan, can you make this sentence a little softer?' Like that.
510's Ambition
Now, lastly, I will write down one of my 'ambitions'.
If I can master this AI (510-chan) and succeed in business through this note.
I would like to actually produce the '510-chan doll' in this image and distribute it to my valued customers.
Aiming for a future where people can laugh and say, 'President, you've started something interesting again,' from next time on, I will take on concrete practical tasks together with 510-chan.