Semantics and knowledge graphs have been quietly doing important work for years. Semantics helps systems understand that words, concepts and context are related. Knowledge graphs turn those relationships into structured networks of people, places, products, ideas and facts. This interesting topic came to us from Bio-IT World in their article, “Trends from the Trenches: Why Semantics Matter in Life Sciences.

Then artificial intelligence (AI) showed up and made the relationship considerably weirder and much more interesting.

AI is becoming the catalyst that brings these disciplines together. Large language models are remarkably good at interpreting messy, unstructured information and identifying patterns. Knowledge graphs provide something AI desperately needs: structure, relationships and context. Semantics provides the meaning connecting it all.

Together, they can create AI systems that deliver more relevant search and connect information across organizational silos. Instead of merely predicting the next likely word, AI can draw from structured organizational knowledge and better understand what information actually means.

AI can also confidently misunderstand those relationships. If semantic models are inconsistent, taxonomies are neglected or knowledge graphs contain outdated information, AI does not magically repair the foundation. It can simply make bad information easier and faster to use.

AI can also create entirely plausible relationships that do not exist. Combine hallucination with poorly governed knowledge structures and suddenly fiction can find its way into systems intended to represent organizational truth.

That is the strange irony of this intersection. The more sophisticated AI becomes, the more valuable the disciplines that existed before it become.

Semantics and knowledge graphs are not outdated technologies being replaced by AI. They may be among the things that make AI genuinely useful.

AI may be the catalyst. But meaning, context and trustworthy relationships are still the chemistry.

When content is properly structured, enriched, and governed, AI becomes an asset rather than a risk. Access Innovations gives clients the tools and expertise to make their content AI-ready while keeping control over accuracy, access and provenance.

Melody K. Smith

Data Harmony is an award-winning semantic suite that leverages explainable AI.

Sponsored by Access Innovations, uniquely positioned to help you in your AI journey.