AI for Everyone
AI: An Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a sci-fi thriller, it’s a part of our day-to-day lives. From setting an alarm via Siri to using Alexa to remind you to go grocery shopping, AI is transforming the ways we live, work and engage with technology. But what is AI, and why has it become so indispensable to the contemporary world?
Fundamentally, Artificial Intelligence is the process whereby machines or computers simulate human intelligence. They can, in other words, learn from experience, learn from novelty, grasp language, identify pictures, or even resolve problems that would normally demand a human brain. AI works with algorithms — those cool mathematical frameworks that allow systems to make decisions based on information they’re presented with. And voila! Your smart devices are “thinking” faster than ever!
Types of AI
Narrow AI (or Weak AI)
A narrow AI is your tech’s go-to expert — it’s awesome at one thing. Consider the facial-recognition technology that unlocks your phone, or Netflix’s recommendations service that just knows exactly what you’re watching next. Narrow AI adheres to its narrow domain, but lacks the general-purpose thinking abilities of the brain.
General AI (or Strong AI)
This is the ultimate AI dream, although so far mostly speculative. GM AI would be able to do any intellectual function that a human being can perform, and it could reason, learn and think digitally from its computer legs. Well, we’re not there yet — so don’t start worrying about robot masters just yet!
How AI Works
AI uses a bit of black magic called machine learning. So basically you train systems on big data and then they start to become better at it. It’s like having a child, except that the child absorbs knowledge at superhuman speed. The more data the system processes, the more its algorithms become accurate.
The fancy stuff has a fancy name: deep learning, in which artificial neural networks replicate what happens in a brain (minus the coffee breaks). It is deep learning that permits AI to perform extremely difficult feats such as recognising people in a crowd or autonomously driving a car.
Applications of AI
AI quietly (or not so quietly) changes every aspect of our world. Let’s take a closer look at where AI is delivering the most impact:
Medical
AI algorithms help medical practitioners diagnose illnesses, analyze images, and even make predictions about patients. It’s like getting another opinion – just faster.
Business
AI is the most efficient person alive, performing repetitive functions, offering better customer services, and enabling businesses to act from a data-driven position. AI never sleeps so companies can run 247!
Entertainment
From the personal recommendations of your movies, to that virtual assistant that selects the best playlist, AI curates entertainment for you. It’s like having your own personal DJ or film critic on call.
Self-Driving Cars
Originally a jetsons-style nightmare, the self-driving car is getting closer to reality with AI-based systems that "see" and operate on roadways like no other (or, anyway, like no one else on a Monday morning).
Conclusion
As AI advances and grows, it’s revolutionising industries, businesses and daily life in ways we wouldn’t have even thought possible 10 years ago. Clearly there’s a certain amount of power at stake, and AI involves ethical issues ranging from job losses to data security. But one thing is for sure, AI isn’t going anywhere. From automation to generating astonishing technologies, AI is reshaping the future at a frightening rate. And hey, we’re just starting to get an idea of what we can achieve.
So buckle up, the AI-powered future is already here, and it will get much better from here!