The Rise of Artificial Intelligence

What is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a reference to a machine’s ability to make decisions. It is predicated on the concept that these decisions are based upon an array of information presented to the decision maker to define a preset goal or result. The simplest form of AI mimics logical deduction processes that humans make, if A then 1, if B then 2, and so forth. Any computer programmed in this framework, can make a decision based on the “if statement”, and mimic a human’s deduction process given the correct information.

An example of this would be an electronic thermostat. The goal is the determined temperature, a comfortable 22 degrees. A thermometer would gather information of the ambient temperature of the room, and if the ambient temperature is hotter, turn on the cooling, if the ambient temperature is cooler, turn on the heater. Just as a human perceive the room as hot or cold, and subsequently turn on either the cooler or the heater to achieve the desired effect.

Power of Machine Learning

The next major concept that distinguishes an AI from a regular computer is machine learning or experience. A human can make decisions based on previous information or instinctively understand a choice. Instinct is something that is developed over years of experience, such as a skilled appraiser being able to establish whether a piece of art is fake or original merely by sight. This skill is one that is developed over time and with training involved.

To have a computer make a guess or understand instinctively, a large amount of experience (past data) can be used to achieve the same desired effect. One example is the predictive text functions on mobile phones today. After consistently inputting any word after the other, the phone gradually becomes able to “predict” the next word based on the original word. A machine learns this by comparing past data (how many times the word feed is followed by sparky versus how many times the word feed is followed by another word) and making a predictive analysis given the information collected.

After achieving both a step by step deduction and a learning process, AIs can further improve upon this by using both in tandem to create a planning and prediction process. By implementing the deduction process of if A then B, then adding in past data to create experience, an AI can mimic a human’s ability to reason and make decisions.

When a human makes a guess about the future, the human will take a topic (input information), compare with experiences (past information) and make an educated guess regarding the future (prediction). This is evident in business applications whereby an AI can begin to make predictions on stock market patterns and formulate a strategy, then continue to adjust them with real time data, all much faster than a human can.

Future of Artificial Intelligence

The greatest strength that an AI will always have over a human is computation speed. However, one of the key setbacks and difficulties is the ability to translate or numerically express complex human concepts, or how to present information to the AI in a way that makes sense. Perspective and language recognition are two major hurdles that are presented.

Artificial Intelligence is constantly being worked and improved upon and the potential applications to improve convenience, business, and overall quality of life are almost endless with the correct application of AI. Imagine a business that can accurately predict and model a business’s sales for the next quarter. Or even a house that can budget a monthly allowance for food and place orders to food delivery services. The possibilities for Artificial Intelligence are endless and will continue to grow in this field as more widespread applications develop.

*Co-written with Kristian Li.

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