Artificial intelligence is the latest technological craze that has taken the world by storm. The idea of technologically-intelligent machines that can think and act like humans has captured the world’s imagination. But what is artificial intelligence? And why should you care?
What is Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial intelligence is the science of making machines behave like humans. It’s an umbrella concept that includes so-called “cognitive” computing, or computers that have the ability to think and learn. AI is driven by data and algorithms, so if the data is not provided, the AI probably can’t make any decisions.
AI is being used to help power everything from voice-activated virtual assistants to automated delivery services that can make customized food and clothing recommendations. It’s also being used to build computerized assistants that can help out with all sorts of everyday tasks, from scheduling meetings to recommending activities for your weekend.
Why Should You Care About Artificial Intelligence?
AI is having a moment.
For years, the hype around this technology has been slowly simmering, with tech companies slowly rolling out more and more advanced AI features. Now, we’re seeing a wave of innovation that’s changing the way we interact with our technology.
You might have heard about how AI is being used to make virtual assistants smarter. Or how it’s being used to help train autonomous driving cars. Or even how it’s being used to help power the world’s biggest search engines.
The list goes on and on.
AI is having a moment. And you need to be aware of it.
Now, don’t get us wrong. AI isn’t a new concept. And it’s not a silver bullet that can solve everything.
It’s been around for a while now, used in a variety of ways. But it’s recently become more prevalent in our lives, thanks to advancements in computer processing power and data storage.
But the good news is that AI is still in the early stages of development. As more and more people get involved, with more and more data, we’ll be able to hone in on the best methods of using AI. And we can expect to see an even more impressive version of this technology down the road.
Important AI Developments
In 2017, we saw a bunch of tech giants roll out new AI-powered services, including Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google. In fact, according to data from Statista, Google and Facebook together accounted for more than half of all AI initiatives in 2017.
Other important AI developments include:
– The rise of AI-powered virtual assistants – Virtual assistants are becoming smarter, thanks to AI.
Amazon’s Alexa, for example, is now able to control smart devices, play music, and order food.
– AI is being used to power autonomous driving – AI is at the core of autonomous driving. Computer Vision, for example, is used to identify objects and determine the best route for a car to take.
– AI is being used to teach AI – As more and more data is processed and created, we’re seeing AI being used to teach other AI algorithms. It’s called AI Training.
– AI is being used to build conversational Bots – Bots are powered by AI, allowing users to communicate with them and perform tasks.
Key Challenges for Artificial Intelligence
Deep learning – Experts are still exploring how best to use AI. This year, we’ve seen an uptick in the number of reports that claim that AI is already too powerful, which could result in misuse of data.
But experts say we need to be careful when it comes to who has access to data, how it’s used, and who’s responsible if something goes wrong.
Training models – As more and more data is processed, there’s a challenge of distributing all that data. Experts say that it’s important to make sure that AI models have access to all the data they need, otherwise they might oversimplify the problem.
Privacy – AI is often used to process huge amounts of data, and sometimes people aren’t happy about how their data is being used. For example, when an AI-powered virtual assistant learns more about you, it might be easier for hackers to take control of your device.
Role of Data in AI
AI is essentially a machine learning algorithm that’s powered by data. What you need to understand is that human beings are essentially computers.
We are made up of neurons and synapses, which are essentially the same thing that an AI uses to process information and make decisions. So, essentially, we are the machine that AI is powered by data.
It’s important to note that AI is not a computer algorithm that just happens to be powered by data. It’s not something that happens by accident because the data that’s being used to power it makes it very powerful. Wherever you see the words artificial intelligence, you’re most likely seeing the use of AI.
Conclusion
Artificial Intelligence is a hot topic these days, but what is it really, and why should you care about it? Artificial intelligence is the science of making machines behave like humans. It’s an umbrella concept that includes so-called “cognitive” computing, or computers that have the ability to think and learn.
AI is driven by data and algorithms, so if the data is not provided, the AI probably can’t make any decisions. AI is being used to help power everything from voice-activated virtual assistants to automated delivery services that can make customized food and clothing recommendations. It’s also being used to build computerized assistants that can help out with all sorts of everyday tasks, from scheduling meetings to recommending activities for your weekend. The good news is that AI is still in the early stages of development. As more and more people get involved, with more and more data we’ll be able to hone in on the best methods of using AI.