Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision – these terms seem to be popping up in every part of life and business. Of course, you may already know that AI is the science of machines that can mimic and even improve upon human intelligence. Combining computer science and large data sets, AI includes the subfield of machine learning and is aided through parallel fields such as natural language processing and computer vision. Still, there are likely some things about artificial intelligence that you don’t know.
1. You Are Probably Already Using Artificial Intelligence
Without many of us even noticing, AI has crept its way into much of our daily lives. For example, completing an online search, asking a smart device for the weather, finding your way to your destination with your car’s GPS navigation system, and other daily tasks are made possible through AI. While rudimentary versions of these functions are possible without the benefit of Artificial Intelligence, most only become useful and practical once paired with the latest developments in computer science.
2. AI is Not New
The concepts behind modern Artificial Intelligence date back to the 1950s. Back then, scientists, mathematicians, and even philosophers were beginning to explore the possibilities. Alan Turing, a young British mathematician and computer scientist, began to formalize the concept of the algorithm. He also developed the Turing Machine, a theoretical machine that could process the logic of a programmed algorithm.
3. Doctors are Using Artificial Intelligence to Fight Cancer
By collecting large amounts of medical data from cancer patients, machine learning algorithms are in the early stages of learning to predict the patients most likely to develop a form of the disease. Researchers are hoping to continue development to the point that machines will detect cancer while it is still in its earliest stages. As computers get faster and more data is collected, results will continue to improve over time.
4. Artificial Intelligence Can Create Art
By applying machine learning to large data sets of existing artwork, artificial intelligence can now create original art. It is already showing considerable success. A painting titled Portrait of Edmond Belamy recently sold at Christie’s auction house for $432,500. Visual arts are only part of what AI is capable of. Artificial intelligence is now also producing musical compositions and making them available on royalty-free music sites.
5. AI Can Forecast Earthquakes and Other Disasters
Machine learning-based artificial intelligence has been developed by the National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering that has shown that it can forecast future earthquakes. This technology will give people time to prepare and will undoubtedly save lives. Similar AI technology is also under development to predict the path of hurricanes, tornadoes, and other weather events.
These are just some of the things you may not know about AI. Artificial intelligence is already challenging humans at their own games like chess and solving puzzles like the Rubix Cube faster than the fastest humans. As processor speeds increase and algorithms become more efficient, there is no telling what AI will be helping with next.
