AI & Taxonomy: the Good and the Bad

The recent popularity of new machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) applications has disrupted a great deal of traditional data and knowledge management understanding and tooling. At EK, we have worked with a number of clients who have questions–how can these AI tools help with our taxonomy development and implementation efforts? As a rapidly developing area, there is still more to be discovered in terms of how these applications and agents can be used as tools. However, from our own experience, experiments, and work with AI-literate clients, we have noticed alignment on a number of benefits, as well as a few persistent pitfalls. This article will walk you through where AI and ML can be used effectively for taxonomy work, and where it can lead to limitations and challenges. Ultimately, AI and ML should be used as an additional tool in a taxonomist’s toolbelt, rather than as a replacement for human understanding and decision-making.