Artificial Intelligence
Overview
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science that aims to create machines that mimic human intelligence. This could be anything from a computer program playing chess, to a voice-recognition system like Amazon's Alexa. AI is a broad discipline with numerous sub-fields, including machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics.
History
The concept of artificial intelligence has been around for centuries, but it wasn't until the mid-20th century that it became a distinct scientific discipline. The term "artificial intelligence" was first coined in 1956 by John McCarthy at the Dartmouth Conference, where the core mission of the AI field was defined.
Types of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence can be classified into two main types: Narrow AI and General AI.
Narrow AI
Also known as Weak AI, Narrow AI refers to AI systems that are designed to perform a narrow task, such as voice recognition. These systems can only perform the specific tasks they are designed for, and cannot perform tasks beyond their programming.
General AI
General AI, also known as Strong AI, refers to systems that possess the ability to perform any intellectual task that a human being can. They can understand, learn, adapt, and implement knowledge in a way that is indistinguishable from human intelligence. However, this type of AI exists currently more in theory and speculation rather than in practical application.
Artificial Intelligence Techniques
AI techniques are the methods by which machines can be made to mimic human intelligence. These techniques include machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics.
Machine Learning
Machine learning is a method of data analysis that automates the building of analytical models. It is a branch of artificial intelligence based on the idea that systems can learn from data, identify patterns and make decisions with minimal human intervention.
Natural Language Processing
Natural language processing (NLP) is a subfield of AI that focuses on the interaction between computers and humans through natural language. The ultimate objective of NLP is to read, decipher, understand, and make sense of the human language in a valuable way.
Robotics
Robotics is a branch of AI which is composed of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Computer Science for designing, construction, and application of robots. The goal of robotics is to design intelligent machines that can help and assist humans in their day-to-day lives and keep everyone safe.
Applications of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence has a wide range of applications in various fields. Some of the key applications of AI include healthcare, finance, transportation, and gaming.
Healthcare
In healthcare, AI is used in various applications from diagnostic processes to treatment protocol development, patient monitoring and care, drug development and more.
Finance
In the finance sector, AI is used for fraud detection, investment, and financial market predictions.
Transportation
In transportation, AI is used in autonomous vehicles, route planning, and traffic management.
Gaming
In gaming, AI is used to generate responsive, adaptive or intelligent behaviors primarily in non-player characters (NPCs), similar to human-like intelligence.
Future of Artificial Intelligence
The future of artificial intelligence is subject to much speculation and debate. While some experts believe that AI has the potential to vastly improve many aspects of life, others warn about the potential risks and dangers of AI, such as job automation and privacy concerns.