What Is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

What Is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology enables computers and machines to mimic human intelligence and perform problem-solving tasks. The key feature of artificial intelligence is its capability to reason and take actions to achieve specific objectives.

The origins of AI research date back to the 1950s and were utilized in the 1960s by the U.S. Department of Defense, which involved training computers to imitate human reasoning.

Machine learning (ML) is a subset of artificial intelligence, where computer programs can learn from and adapt to new data automatically without human intervention.

How Artificial Intelligence (AI) Works

Artificial intelligence is often associated with the use of robots. However, as technology advances, the traditional definitions of artificial intelligence are becoming obsolete.

Key technologies that drive artificial intelligence include:

Algorithms are frequently involved in the design of artificial intelligence systems. Basic algorithms are utilized in straightforward tasks, whereas more intricate ones are crucial for developing advanced artificial intelligence.

Types of Artificial Intelligence

Narrow AI: Also referred to as weak AI, Narrow AI is developed to perform specific tasks. Examples of weak AI systems include video games and personal assistants such as Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s Siri, which can answer user queries.

General AI: General AI, also known as strong artificial intelligence, encompasses systems that can perform tasks resembling human capabilities. These AI systems are more intricate and can be found in applications like self-driving cars and hospital operating rooms.

Understanding Super AI

Super AI, a concept that remains purely theoretical at this point, represents an advanced form of artificial intelligence that has not been achieved to date. This hypothetical AI would showcase superior capabilities in thinking, reasoning, learning, and overall cognitive functions compared to human beings.

Using Artificial Intelligence

The application of artificial intelligence spans various sectors and industries, such as healthcare, where it assists in suggesting drug dosages, identifying treatments, and facilitating surgical procedures in the operating room.

Examples of artificial intelligence technology include computers capable of playing chess and self-driving cars. In the financial sector, AI is utilized to detect and alert to fraudulent banking activities. Additionally, AI applications can enhance efficiency and simplify trading processes.
In 2022, AI became mainstream with the introduction of the Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (GPT) technology. Notably, OpenAI’s DALL-E text-to-image tool and ChatGPT gained popularity for their applications. A survey conducted by Deloitte in 2024 revealed that 79% of leaders in the AI sector anticipate generative AI to revolutionize their organizations by 2027.

What Does Reactive AI Refer To?

Reactive AI, categorized under narrow AI, utilizes algorithms to enhance outcomes by considering a specific set of inputs. An example of this is seen in chess-playing AIs that focus on optimizing strategies to achieve victory. However, reactive AI is limited in its ability to evolve or adjust to new and unfamiliar scenarios.

What Are the Concerns Surrounding the Use of AI?

There is a significant worry about the impact of artificial intelligence on human employment. Various industries are considering automating specific tasks using advanced technology, raising fears that workers could be displaced. For instance, the introduction of self-driving cars could eliminate the need for traditional taxi services and car-sharing programs. Additionally, manufacturers may opt to substitute human workers with automated machines, potentially rendering people’s skills outdated and unnecessary.

How AI is Applied in Healthcare

AI plays a crucial role in healthcare by supporting diagnostic processes. It can detect subtle irregularities in medical scans to enhance the accuracy of diagnoses based on a patient’s symptoms and vital signs. Additionally, AI is utilized for patient classification, medical record management, and processing health insurance claims.

The Bottom Line

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a developing technology that aims to replicate human intelligence through the use of machines. AI includes subsets like machine learning (ML) and deep learning, enabling systems to learn and evolve in unique ways based on training data. Its applications span various industries, from healthcare and finance to transportation. While AI brings about significant progress, it also raises concerns related to ethics, privacy, and employment.