AI-What Artificial Intelligence is and What it Entail

You must have watched AI, the movie starring Will Smith. You probably think artificial intelligence (AI) is just smart robots. But it’s a broad branch of computer science. It’s not a sci-fi movie idea.

Artificial intelligence is a branch of computer science. It focuses on building smart machines. These machines can perform tasks that would require human intelligence.

AI has many angles. Machine learning and deep learning have a profound effect. They impact on every tech industry area.

How Does AI Work?

Artificial Intelligence is a term for complicated software. It performs actions in a very similar way to the human brain. It often senses and then responds to something in its environment.

AI computer systems can learn how to solve problems. Sometimes they do this in unexpected ways. They can recognize nuances in the way a person talks. Artificial intelligence machines are programmed to think like a human. They react similarly. AI has two fundamental attributes. One is the ability to rationalize. It acts in a more feasible way to achieve a specific goal.

AI combines large amounts of data. Processing loops allow the software to learn from patterns found in big data. Smart algorithms help.

What Are The Different Types of AI?

Artificial Intelligence is a vast field of science. The study of this field includes methods, technologies, and theories.

You can split AI into two broad types. These are:

Narrow Artificial Intelligence

Narrow AI is what you see all around you in computers today. The intelligent systems in use haven’t been programmed. We have taught them. Alternatively, AI has learned how to perform specified actions.

Examples include the vision-recognition systems. We use them in self-driving cars. Virtual personal assistants such as Alexa are good examples. Another example is in search engines. These make suggestions based on purchases you’ve made before.

We can teach Narrow Artificial Intelligence systems. They can learn how to do specific tasks. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t lots of things it can do. For example:

Interpret video feeds from drones
Organize business and personal calendars
Respond to simple customer queries
Coordinate with other intelligent systems
Help health specialists spot potential tumors in X-rays
Flag improper online content
Detect wear and tear in equipment

General AI

General AI is a whole different ball game. Up until now, we see it more in science fiction movies. However, it might not be long before it becomes a reality. Artificial General Intelligence is an adaptable intellect. It is generally found in human beings. This form of intelligence can learn how to carry out widely different tasks. Tasks might include cooking a meal or building a business plan. It can also reason based on its experiences.

Alan Turing asked a very crucial question way back in the 50s. He asked, “Can machines think?” This gentleman is most famous for breaking the Enigma code. This helped Allied Forces win the Second World War. However, the question he asked a few years later changed history once again. How long will it be before general AI becomes a reality? This is a contentious topic amongst AI experts.

There are also different subfields of AI.

Machine Learning

Machine learning is a form of data analysis. This form automates analytical model building. Its basis is that computer systems can learn from the data they collect. The systems can identify patterns. Ultimately they make decisions with minimum intervention.

Deep Learning

Deep learning is a type of machine learning. We train computers to perform human-like actions. These might include image recognition or making predictions. Problem solving, or speech recognition is possible too. Deep learning isn’t a way to organize data. You can’t run through specific questions either.

Instead, it sets up parameters concerning the data. We train the computer to learn by itself. It does this with the help of many layers of processing. These layers allow them to recognize patterns.

A Neural Network

A neural network is another type of machine learning. In this case, it is a series of connecting units. These units are very similar to the neurons in the human brain. Information from external inputs is processed and transferred to other units. Multiple passes have to take place. The network must find connections and understand undefined data.

Cognitive Computing

The ultimate goal of cognitive computing is for the machine to interpret images. It should recognize speech and respond accordingly. Ideally, this would be real-time verbal conversation.

Natural Language Processing

Natural language processing is the analysis, knowledge, and generation of language. It includes spoken and written language. Interaction is the next stage. It allows human beings to communicate naturally with computers. We can get them to perform specific tasks.

Computer Vision

This type of AI relies on pattern recognition and deep learning. The computer can recognize what’s in a video or picture. It allows them to interpret their surroundings through analysis and understanding of images.

How is AI Used in Business?

There is a notable demand for Artificial Intelligence capabilities. It is required across a wide range of industries. Question answering systems are incredibly popular. You’ll find them in use for legal assistance and risk notification. Medical research and patent searches use them.

We also use AI in many other areas of business.

Health Care

The healthcare industry provides X-ray readings and personalized medicine. An AI personal health care assistant reminds you to take your medication. It can tell you to eat healthy, or exercise. It can also act as your life coach.

Manufacturing

By connecting AI to the equipment, you can analyze factory IoT data. AI can use the data to make forecasts. Predictions might include the expected load and demand. It makes such predictions thanks to recurrent networks. These networks are a type of deep learning using sequence data.

Banking

Thanks to AI, particular tasks can be performed quicker. They are more accurate, and have greater effectiveness. You’ll find AI being used to spot fraudulent transactions. It can determine credit scoring. Automation data management tasks can be performed.

Retail

In the retail sector, Artificial Intelligence makes customer suggestions. It discusses consumer’s purchase options. AI also helps to improve site layout technologies and stock management.

How Is AI Used in Everyday Life?

AI has become a part of everyday life. On some occasions, we don’t realize we’re using AI. Artificial Intelligence is not as new as you think. It’s been in use for decades, and its applications are all around you. Let’s look at artificial intelligence in your daily activities.

Email Communications

There are filters in the most common email services. What these do is ensure the email that lands in your inbox is authentic. The filters also help sort your emails into various categories. When AI organizes your emails, you’ll quickly find them. You can respond to the most important ones.

Have you come across smart replies in your email service? Smart replies offer a way for you to respond to emails. With, for example, a simple phrase. AI tailors the responses according to the email content.

A nudging feature stops you from forgetting or ignoring emails. The nudge is a reminder. AI is used to determine which emails need a response. After a few days, you’ll find them highlighted.

AI makes it easier for you to locate and communicate with your friends. It works equally well for business associates. Lots of other aspects of social media benefit from AI.

LinkedIn is a job search platform. It uses AI to help match suitable candidates for jobs.

Pinterest uses something called a LENS tool. It uses it to identify objects in images. Use the tool to take pictures of specific items. AI will help you find similar objects.

Chatbots deliver helpful content when you ask common questions. They are so accurate that you might think you’re talking to a real person. It’s able to do this by recognizing words and phrases.

AI-driven detection programs scan posts looking for patterns. Such patterns might indicate a user may be at risk of harming themselves. AI recognizes patterns. It sends appropriate personal resources. It might also send them to their friends.

AI and Web Searches

Search engines have been using AI for some time now. Predictive searches are one example. When you start to type a search term, the search engine gives you some suggestions. That’s all done by AI.

Search engine AI algorithms are AI at work. The AI a search engine uses learns from results. Over time, it aims to meet your needs better.

Online Shopping and Service Experience

Online retailers use AI to collect information about their customers. It helps them determine their preferences, and buying habits. AI uses the information to personalize your shopping experience. It recommends new products.

Music services use AI in the same way. AI tracks your music listening habits. They then use the information to make suggestions. It chooses other songs you might want to listen to.

Finding Your Way Around

There are map apps that use AI to calculate traffic patterns. These apps provide information to recommend the quickest route.

Travel Experiences

Ride sharing services use AI. It helps determine how long your journey will take. Thanks to AI, you know when you can expect a delivery or driver.

Did you realize that for most of the flight AI technology is doing much of the flying when you fly?

In the Classroom

AI helps teachers to better understand how their students learn. With such knowledge, they can customize the curriculum. Intelligent Tutoring Systems allow students to have a lesson without a teacher.

Software is available that can grade student essays instantly. This and frees up the teacher’s time for other things. AI helps teachers learn student habits. This is to develop a schedule that makes learning more effective.

What Are the Pros of AI?

AI is already evident across many industries. It is endemic in our everyday lives. Before long it will dominate the business, consumer, and public sectors. It might not be long before IoT devices surround us. Is it all it’s cracked up to be? Is it a force for good? What are the benefits of such technology?

Improved Efficiency

Data has a considerable value in the modern business world. But there is so much of it. It needs to be processed accurately and quickly. AI applications help diagnose of a variety of conditions. AI systems reduce the length of time doctors spend studying scans or x-rays. They can now make a diagnosis within seconds.

Eradication of Human Error

They say to err is human. This isn’t the case with Artificial Intelligence. Human error can be a lapse in attention or a simple mistake. Even the best of us can make a mistake. We build Artificial Intelligence machines to perform tasks. They make no such errors.

Online stores are now using AI in their warehouses. Thousands of robots are communicated with. They are controlled. The movement of goods is efficiently coordinated. In weather forecasting, AI reduces human error.

Smart Technology

We will use smart technology more in our homes in the future. AI devices currently available include your top of the range smartphone. Autonomous vehicles and energy-saving devices are examples.

AI Takes Risks Instead of Humans

A significant advantage of AI is that it overcomes some human limitations. AI robots can do things that are too risky for us. We use AI to defuse bombs. It is used for ocean exploration, when mining for oil and coal. It is also instrumental in man-made or natural disasters.

AI is always Available

It’s usual for human beings to work 4-6 hours a day, not including breaks. AI machines, on the other hand, work 24/7, require no breaks, and there’s no chance they’ll get bored.

AI Helps with Repetitive Jobs

Think about the repetitive jobs you have to do every day at work. It might be sending thank-you emails. Document confirmation, filling out time sheets, and other things are tedious. Artificial Intelligence will perform many of our mundane tasks. AI removes tedious tasks. It frees up your day so you can be more creative.

Document confirmation is one example of automation speeding up the process.

Digital Assistance

An increasing number of large organizations use digital assists. AI interacts with customers. This reduces the need for a human assistant. Chatbots are one example of a digital assistant. You chat with them about what you want and provide a suitable solution.

Quicker Decision Making Process

Artificial Intelligence systems make fast decisions. AI can also carry out tasks quicker. An AI-powered machine doesn’t factor in emotion or practicality. It uses the information it’s been programmed to use. It is much faster in delivering a result.

New Inventions

AI research is the power behind many new inventions. We use it to help solve the most complex problems. Doctors can now predict breast cancer earlier than before. They use AI-based technology.

Is There a Downside With AI?

Every coin has two sides, and AI is no different. Let’s look at some disadvantages of Artificial Intelligence.

It’s Expensive

The cost of Artificial U\Intelligence is high. It’s a very complex machine, so it’s bound to be expensive. You have to pay for installation costs. Repair and maintenance of AI machines are costly. The world is continuously changing. Your AI machines will require frequent costly upgrades. AI machines aren’t infallible. If they break down, procurement costs are very high.

It Can Never Replicate a Human

Artificial Intelligence will never be able to replicate a human. It doesn’t matter how smart we make it. Yes, AI is rational. However, it possesses no emotions or moral values. These are at the heart of human nature. It has no comprehension of ethics or what’s legal. A judgment is neither right nor wrong. AI is merely doing what we’ve told it to do. At times, they might encounter an unexpected situation. They will either perform incorrectly or break down.

Cannot be Improved With Experience

No amount of experience will improve Artificial Intelligence. It will perform the same function over and over again. That is unless it receives a different command. Inevitably, over time, this may lead to wear and tear.

AI systems can’t deal with the dynamic environment. They can’t alter responses as a result of a changing environment.

Artificial Intelligence is Not Creative

A machine cannot think out of the box. It will only do what we’ve told it to do or what we’ve taught it. AI machines can help the design and creation process. They can’t, however, match what a human brain can do.

Job Losses

Job losses are one of the biggest downfalls of Artificial Intelligence. AI is replacing many repetitive tasks. Robots are doing more and more types of work. Businesses are increasingly replacing the minimum qualified workforce. They want to use AI robots because they work more efficiently.

What Does The Future Hold?

AI is developing at a phenomenal rate. It has already infiltrated into most industries. Predictions are for developments beyond deep learning. Robotic farmers and chips in the brain to cure dementia, for example. We may push intelligence to the edge. It’s likely algorithms will learn to reason causally. Driverless commercial vehicles, and many more advances are all on the cards. These may eventually become an integral part of life. Whatever happens, they are going to be interesting times.

The potential advantages of using AI are huge. It helps us live more efficiently every day. It powers services and programs that help do many everyday things. However, it will be critical for us to ensure it doesn’t get out of hand.