Although the idea of artificial intelligence (AI) is nothing new, the concept has very much dominated public discourse over the last six months.
That's because a subcategory, named generative AI, has become an overnight sensation.
One specific engine, called ChatGPT, has been largely responsible for all the hype. That service was unleashed in November, and has since taken the public's imagination by storm.
The technology has triggered both excitement and fear, with reports suggesting generative AI could pass exams for the legal and medical professions.
Anyway, this is all to say all of a sudden investors can see limitless potential for any tech company listed on the ASX associated with this field.
Let's take a look at three stocks in particular that could be particularly well-placed:
This company helps design every piece of electronics you've seen
Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) makes software for users who design printed circuit boards (PCBs).
PCBs are already used in almost every computer and electronic device.
And machines that will process artificial intelligence will be no exception.
Scientist and PCB design expert Zachariah Peterson said just this week that embedded AI developers can use the Altium Designer software to implement hardware AI accelerator options.
"The CAD features in Altium Designer enable all aspects of systems and product design, ranging from packaging and PCB layout, and up to harness and cable design," he wrote on a blog post titled The Path Forward for Embedded AI.
"When you've finished your design, and you want to release files to your manufacturer, the Altium 365 platform makes it easy to collaborate and share your projects."
The Altium share price has risen almost 18% since November.
Aussie company's AI writes its own quotes
Sydney's Bigtincan Holdings Ltd (ASX: BTH) creates sales enablement software for large business clients, which doesn't have an obvious link to AI.
But in March, the company announced its GenieAI product, which uses artificial intelligence for clients to improve "how humans work and how they sell".
Bingtincan says the module uses large language model (LLM) technology to automatically perform copywriting, content summaries, Q&A searches, and create a virtual assistant.
"GenieAI offers sales professionals the ability to quickly digest material and gain insights into the content's meaning," said GenieAI itself.
"It is also capable of generating email templates that sales professionals can customise and send to their buyers. It's a game-changer for sales professionals looking to maximise their efficiency."
The Bigtincan share price has been volatile in recent months. It's up 1.85% year to date.
One for the true believers
The most speculative of the three picks is Brainchip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN).
The Californian company makes artificial intelligence and machine learning hardware. However, it is still in a pre-revenue stage.
In the past, Brainchip has boasted its technology has attracted interest from clients like NASA and Mercedes Benz Group AG (ETR: MBG).
The stock price has cooled off to the tune of 60% over the past 12 months, presenting a window for those willing to take a punt.
Since the start of last year, the stock has been as high as $1.76, while it closed Monday at 45 cents.
