Artificial Intelligence: Its Definition, Applications, Benefits, and Trends
Learn about the latest AI trends.
Find out the types of AI today.
Technology has gone a long way. In the past, a humanoid robot or an autonomous vehicle were mere theories we only see in fictional movies. Nowadays, we see a pragmatic improvement in technologies as a result of the advancement in artificial intelligence (AI).
With better algorithms and advanced computing powers, machines are now able to work more independently and with minimal human interventions. The development of AI technology is drastic. However, a large portion of the world has a minimal understanding of its concept and the indispensable application in AI. So, what is AI and what does it hold for us in the future? We’ll answer all that in this article. Let this be your ultimate artificial intelligence tutorial and never again misinterpreting Machine learning as AI.
Table of content:
Understanding What is Artificial Intelligence All About
It was in the early years of the new millennium when people started to widely hear the terms “Artificial Intelligence” as machine learning had begun to be applied in many industries. But, these terms were vaguely understood by many despite the fact that they are using such technology almost every day.
According to Patrick Winston, a Ford Professor of AI and Computer Science defines AI as “algorithms enabled by constraints, exposed by representations that support models targeted at loops that tie thinking, perception and action together.” While many would have their own interpretation and definition of Artificial Intelligence, it’s in fact is a branch of computer science that deals with building machines based on algorithms that can simulate and mimic “human intelligence”. An AI-powered machine is something that can adapt human-like reasoning to serve as real humans’ decision support system.
Simulating the human mind through machines, AI has the potential to make devices learn, analyze behavior, and influence decision-making. For this reason, artificial intelligence is rising a great swing finding its leverage over the industrial world — and now even in households.
Though the core concept of artificial intelligence it’s crucial, AI is diverse itself and it can be applied in many instances. Not only it’s complex it’s also a continuous development that requires strenuous critical thinking for constant improvement. It encompasses many other subfields such as natural language processing, machine learning, and predictive analytics among others. The majority of it is still unexplored.
There are several types of artificial intelligence, some of which are more familiar to you and some otherwise. By understanding its mechanism, it should give us a clearer perspective of AI capabilities and their benefits. As we already established, AI was developed to replicate the human brain and carry out human-like functions. The extent of how well an AI-driven machine can perform a task is the basis of classifying them. While there are at least 7 types of AI, we can simply understand them into two classifications. That is the Weak and Strong AI.
Weak AI
Weak AI, or sometimes “narrow AI”, is the general classification of AI which implements a narrow part of the mind to perform a predefined function. In layman’s perspective, a machine or a computer that is equipped with weak AI only behaves based on what it is programmed for. As opposed to natural human intelligence, where it gains knowledge through interaction, Weak AI does not in any way acquire new skills by itself other than what it is intended for.
One good example of Weak AI is a chess application. When you play against a computer, it’s giving you a sense that your opponent is making intelligent moves. But, that’s not what is really happening. Every move of the computer is based on the information fed into it by a human prior to the development of the game. Contrary to our belief, it does not decide what moves to make in real-time. Instead, your moves were previously simulated so the computer will react according to what it is instructed to.
Virtual assistants and even autonomous cars can all be considered as weak AI. Any machine intended for automation is classified as weak AI.
Strong AI
Strong AI is built around a principle that machines can learn, understand, and carry out tasks just like how humans do. Its cognitive abilities are seen to be closest or even exceed those of human intelligence. Machines with strong AI are expected to function like the human brain with the same level of understanding and consciousness. This type of AI is what concerns conservative people as it could be a prelude to robots taking over humanity as we always picture.
However, Strong AI is nothing but still a theory. At least for now, we are nowhere near developing a machine that can be classified as Strong AI. Most of the AI devices right now are performing based on how they are programmed to. Whether it’s the simplest or the most advanced AI, they all fall under weak AI as they are not completely autonomous.
The world has seen the earliest form of artificial intelligence during World War II when Alan Turing broke the enigma code. Using a machine called Bombe, they analyzed codes coming to the enigma and predicted the locations and time of possible bombings. This has greatly helped Allied Forces win WWII.
Decades after, AI has broadened exponentially. Nowadays, it intertwines with machine learning, data analytics, and natural language processing. A real AI needs these components implemented into its computing system to work.
Machine Learning
Many people use machine learning and artificial intelligence interchangeably, which sets any computer scientist’s teeth on edge. Although the two go hand in hand, it’s not right to say “AI” when you really mean “machine learning”. The latter is a subset of the former.
Machine Learning, or ML, focuses
mainly on the development of computer algorithms that learn and improve automatically without being explicitly programmed. It uses and analyzes sample data it was previously fed to predict or make decisions, aka predictive analytics. This is the technology behind the Watch Next on Netflix or the Made for You on Spotify which predicts the content you might like.
Deep Learning
Deep Learning is kin to machine learning, but a little more complex. The main difference between deep learning and machine learning is it uses multiple layers of artificial neural networks to process data and analyze patterns. It also applies advanced algorithms to dissect data and get higher-level information from raw input. Deep Learning architecture is applied to fields like social network filtering, natural language processing, and speech recognition which enables virtual assistants to understand us.
Cognitive Computing
There is no clear and parallel definition for cognitive computing yet. But generally, cognitive computing is used as a reference to the component of AI which tries to understand how the human brain makes inferences based on stimulus or reinforcement. It mimics the human thought process using variables such as the human language, images, and large amounts of data. In this case, AI and cognitive computing make machines with human-like behavior that optimize human processes.
Natural Language Processing
Natural Language Processing (NLP) is one component of artificial intelligence we widely hear of and use as well. This principle aims to make better interactions between humans and computers by teaching them the natural human language. By implementing NLP, computer systems might be able to understand and translate languages into commands. NLP also allows computers to make logical responses based on raw data, in this case, the linguistics.
Aside from the voice recognition of virtual assistants, language translators such as the one in Skype is a real-world example of NLP. In some cases, the customer service industry also implements natural language processing to facilitate real-time communication between computers and humans.
We cannot deny the extent of the role that artificial intelligence is playing in our lives nowadays. It has many applications that make living a lot easier. Its rise has paved the way for technologies we never realized until today. From our households and in education, down to medicine and business marketing AI has found a room to cover in various domains. As we head towards digitization, it’s right to understand more about the applications of artificial intelligence and see how it is changing the world.
Artificial Intelligence in The Healthcare Industry
Artificial intelligence has been associated with the healthcare and medical industry and has been thriving for many reasons. Many companies and hospitals today are employing AI computer systems to conduct speedy medical diagnosis, drug development, as well as treatment personalization. That aside, AI is also changing the way healthcare facilities are handling medical data.
As the world population continuously grows, clinical data become more overwhelming to handle. Thankfully, AI systems can also read patients’ electronic health records (EHR) and give a cognitive summary. Although it raises concerns about the confidentiality of EHRs, AI has is an excellent tool in giving diagnosis and monitoring patient’s recovery. John Hopkins previously reported that more than 250, 000 people die in the U.S. due to medical errors each year. But the accuracy in diagnosis and treatment brought about by AI and EHRs is expected to alleviate this. Aside from diagnosis and treatment, electronic health and medical records software solutions also make medical billing and practice management more seamless. Though the future of AI in medicine and healthcare is debatable, there are speculations that AI can revolutionize the healthcare industry to a hold new level. And the artificial intelligence kidney is just the beginning of this technology. For now, only time can prove it all, and we shall see what the future holds.
Best EMR Systems and Software Solutions
AdvancedMD
AdvancedMD is an all-in-one practice management, medical billing, and electronic medical records software. This cloud-based system helps medical practitioners to automate workflow while ensuring accurate data transfers and clinical records.
The system also facilitates telemedicine and e-prescribing to eliminate routinary administrative tasks. It has an add-on iOS app that automatically manages the patient’s to-do-list and sends reminders.
TherapyNotes
TherapyNotes is an electronic health record and practice management software for mental health professionals. The platform automates notes, billing, and appointments to allow behavioral therapists to focus on providing care for their clients.
It also has a telemedicine platform for private video sessions that makes consultations easier while keeping patient information secure and confidential.
NextGen Healthcare
NextGen is a healthcare solutions system and web-based EHR that caters to both small and large medical practices. Its services focus on transforming ambulatory care that streamlines data transfer between healthcare providers and their patients.
It’s a cloud-based system that allows practitioners to view their clinical tasks as well as pending appointments. This allows medical care providers to coordinate and deliver patient care effectively.
Artificial Intelligence in the Finance Industry
Finance is among the many industries that highly benefited from AI. In fact, artificial intelligence is a popular trend in fintech nowadays. For the longest time, people have been anxious about the safety and security of banking. But thanks to AI, financial institutions were able to meet these demands.
Artificial Intelligence had a significant hand in curbing fraud. Take your debit card as an example. AI in banking uses your past spending habits to detect possible unauthorized transactions. It can detect odd spending behaviors such as using your card in a foreign country right after you use them elsewhere, or spending too much that is very unlikely for you.
Of course, AI doesn’t benefit the customers alone. It benefits the bankers more than anyone else. Using machine learning in Finance, it enables banking institutions to automate bookkeeping and swiftly give customers their banking scores. This way, they can see who has consistent and responsible loan repayment habits and assess the risks of granting a loan to an individual. Generally, the adaptation of machine learning in finance provides a more streamlined work process to promote efficiency and reduces financial risks. In addition, some financial advisors implement AI in helping customers manage their wealth, hence the term Robo-advisors.
Best Budget Apps Utilizing the AI Technology
Mint
Mint is a financial solutions service that allows people to manage finances in one place. It streamlines all your financial accounts including credit cards and savings accounts and tracks your transactions. If you go overboard with your spendings, Mint will notify you to stick with your budget plan. You can always adjust your spending limit whenever you need to.
The service also allows you to know and track your credit score, alongside providing you tips on how to improve it. Mint employs multi-factor authentication and security scanning to ensure that your data and money are safe.
PocketGuard
If you are someone who loves shopping therapy but gets overwhelmed by the credit card bills at the end of the month, then PocketGuard might be for you. Pretty much like any budgeting apps, it guards you against overspending. It tracks your expenditures and tells you when to stop.
But, the catch is PocketGuard doesn’t only monitor your spending. It also tracks how much you are making and encourages you to deposit on your savings account. It also takes care of recurring bills and provides you with better deals so you can cut costs and save more.
YNAB
YNAB, short for You Need A Budget, is gaining attention and for a good reason. This budget tracking software takes on a different approach to helping you manage your expenses. It ensures that every single penny is accounted for.
By connecting your banking details, it creates a budget for your essential living expenses such as rent, utility bills, loan payments, and savings. It also displays underfunded liabilities so you can manage them. It also has weekly podcasts and videos to help you make intelligent financial decisions.
Impact of AI in the Telemarketing Industry
AI is also evident in the marketing industry. Whether in customer service, digital marketing, or even the AI content automation, artificial
intelligence is becoming more of a common thing. Using AI as leverage has the potential for successful marketing campaigns, plus a good return on investment. With all the components of AI combined, it is easier for marketers to gain insights about their customers and identify major touchpoints with them.
Customer service and support is one aspect of marketing where AI excels at. With natural language processing, companies can swiftly identify customer concerns and automatically respond to them in a more personal manner. It automates agents’ activities so they can focus on more essential tasks. But if there is one AI tool most marketers are utilizing, it is the chatbot in businesses.
Most companies nowadays leave common customer inquiries to chatbots. They usually give technical information about their services to customers and connect them to live agents when the need arises.
Chatbots for AI Marketing
Roof.ai
Roof.ai is a Chatbot Example developed for real-estate marketers. It helps real estate organizations to identify leads and connects them to customers through instant conversation. It takes a bit of information from customers before escalating them to a sales agent. With that, the tool is able to curate personalized content for customers and provides them with reliable follow up.
ManyChat
ManyChat is a marketing chatbot for Facebook messenger. Pretty much like any chatbot, it supports business-to-customer conversations to grow sales and customer engagement. On a grander scale, it helps marketers grow their audience by providing customers with content and broadcasts all at once.
ItsAlive
ItsAlive is another chatbot maker for Facebook Messenger that allows marketers to easily build AI chatbots. Using keywords, it answers frequently asked questions from customers and connects them with a human agent only if necessary.
The Use of AI in The Education Industry
The use of artificial intelligence in education is seeing a steady rise as well. In the US alone, the application of AI in education is expected to increase to 50% by 2022. This could entirely change the education landscape we know today. Not that it will replace the role of teachers, but AI will affect the way students learn for the better.
With AI tools, educators will be able to bridge the learning gaps of students. Naturally, it will be hard for the teachers to identify each student’s learning needs if they are managing at least 30 in each class. But thanks to AI, it helps them to provide differentiated teaching methods that suit each student’s particular needs. This is made possible by AI-powered digital testing and feedback platforms that provide insights into the gaps in the knowledge of the students.
The application of AI in education does not end in the classroom. AI application apps are also available for students which they can use for tutoring or as a review guide. With AI, study apps are becoming more intelligent and can respond to different learning styles. They can also provide smart content fit for the students’ needs.
Third Space Learning App
Third Space Learning is a study guide that focuses mainly on mathematics. The platform serves as an AI companion for students, giving them one-to-one support. It has weekly online sessions, plus other learning resources that boost the students’ knowledge. Third Space Learning also tracks student learning progress and adapts to it to provide them a personalized mentorship.
Differ. Chat
Differ. Chat is a platform that answers any academic question a student might ask. But more than just an AI chatbot, it is also a social messaging app that connects university students with like-minded people. It encourages collaborative learning where students wouldn’t worry asking questions. In return, Differ.Chat incentivizes lecturers who give help through the app. Additionally, it also provides learning resources when needed.
Miao
Miao is a Math and Science expert chatbot for students. By simply sending questions, the chatbot app can simplify and decipher almost any hardcore concepts, solve problems, and equations effectively. It also has helpful resources like videos and articles to help students understand theories more. But, Miao is not just some geek. When you’re bored, it can also throw ridiculous punchlines.
Artificial Intelligence That Surrounds our Daily Life
We may not realize it, but artificial intelligence has the greatest impact on our daily life. Unknowingly, AI is in fact a mainstay companion in our households. Whether it’s influencing us for the good is still a big question. With the enormous and continuous development in AI, it’s too early to say how it’s gonna shape the future. But, at least for now, AI is more on the good side. Here are some examples of AI we use
daily.
Smart Voice Assistants
Smart Voice Assistants are common AI devices we all use. They can come as smart speakers giving us the important news of the day or the daily weather conditions. But, even smartphones have their own voice assistant. Android phones have Google Assistant, while iOS has Siri ready to answer out of the box questions. They can also sing you a song and their sense of humor is hilarious as well. However, there are some concerns about voice assistants’ eavesdropping. Is Alexa always listening? We answer that here.
Social Media Feed
Does it ever occur to you how social media interestingly knows the stuff you want to see? Well, that’s certainly the work of AI. Artificial Intelligence curates your social media feeds. It uses AI-powered algorithms to read your past behavior in social media such as the posts you like or things you search. Social media platforms use this data to tailor the experience for you and win against you. Not only it feeds you the posts you want to see, but it also throws you ads of products or services you might need.
Game AI
Artificial intelligence is also very evident in gaming. Most online games nowadays have some sort of artificial intelligence elements into it. A chunk of game AI technology goes to the development of non-player characters so that they behave just like a normal player will do. Take a look at your favorite FPS games like PUBG and Call of Duty. They normally use AI-powered bots as enemies to train new players before they can go against actual players. This also goes for other gaming genres like racing games where you compete against AI, or a chess game where you play against a computer.
Travel and Navigation
AI has an impact even in the way we travel. We’re not talking about autonomous vehicles although it’s a great prospect as well. Let’s just focus on rather simpler things. When driving, we normally use navigation apps to get to where we are going. It’s impressive how these apps know every turn and curve of our way. But without AI, not even the best navigation apps could hardly work. In case you wonder, AI is responsible for interpreting traffic data so navigation apps can give you the best route to take in real-time.
Smart Home Devices
Even our home devices are getting smarter. Aside from voice assistants, many home devices use artificial devices to analyze human behavior and perform based on our needs. One good example of this is thermostats. The best WiFi thermostats nowadays can analyze the time span we stay at home, including the time when we leave and when we return home. With machine learning, thermostats automatically adjust the heating or cooling so we no longer do it manually.
It’s undebatable, AI brings enormous benefits to us. While AI does have limitations and risks that are driven by the fear of the unknown, reality proves that artificial intelligence can improve our quality of life. It makes everything relatively easier for us. A few decades ago, only the top organizations in the world had access to it. But nowadays, almost every internet user has it on the thumb. Not convinced yet? Well, here are the top artificial intelligence benefits.
Reliable and Accurate Prediction
AI is not just about automation. Given a data set, it can provide rational predictions and preempt outcomes. Weather apps predicting the humidity or heat index in your area is a simple example of this. But on a larger scale, AI can be capitalized to gain insights on business outcomes. For instance, companies can use AI to analyze employee data and predict the attrition tendency. This particular technology saved IBM millions of dollars in retention costs. In other instances, companies use AI to extract sales data from cloud servers then analyze them to come up with targeted marketing plans.
Enhances Work Accuracy
With machine learning capability, automated systems can be more intelligent and carry out tasks with high accuracy. That is the ultimate goal of AI ─ to minimize, or possibly eradicate human errors. We have already discussed how AI tools help in medical diagnosis and in the reduction of medical accidents. But, AI can also be applied in other industries that require high-level accuracy. AI machines are widely used in manufacturing, eliminating the need for human operators in the assembly line. Similarly, AI systems are also being deployed for space exploration instead of humans. We all know how critical these industries are that if you even miss a clause can lead to accidents.
Increases Overall Work Efficiency
AI system’s predictive capabilities and high accuracy make them efficient to use. They reduce manpower, produce more output, and cut off costs. They execute repetitive tasks that might require higher costs when done by humans. That is not to say that AI could replace manpower, but it is a good alternative so human workers can focus on more critical tasks. This way, they also become more efficient since they no longer have to do a particular task over and over again. When efficiency is hit, better return on investment can come along.
Boost Customer Satisfaction
Unlike humans, AI systems take little time to rest. No matter what the time is, they can work endlessly without falter. Just take a look at virtual assistants, as long as they have power and are connected to the internet, they can operate 24/7. Similarly, chatbots are very beneficial, especially to customer service providers. Instead of having human agents round-the-clock, they now utilize chatbots to answer common queries from customers. On a grander scale, chatbots analyze human tone so customer care providers can think of the best way to deal with them.
Humans losing their jobs has long been a concern since the rise of AI and automation. While it might be partly true, artificial intelligence does open up new career opportunities. As technology continues to advance, more and more job alternatives come in. And since AI is a relatively new industry, its workforce is a lot less crowded. It also offers competitive compensation for workers.
Here are some of the best AI jobs that might spark your interest now:
| Name | Simultaneous Streams |
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Artificial Intelligence
Engineer/ Architect |
AI engineers/architects take a more involved role as they are basically the ones who design, build, and develop AI systems. Theyare also the ones responsible for testing the sustainability of AI systems. Since the jobinvolves a lot of coding, exposure to the most popular programming languages like C++, Java, Python, and Scala will help candidates gain an edge.
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Software Engineer
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Software Engineers are among the most in-demand in the AI industry nowadays. They are primarily involved in applying principles in computer software including writing, debugging, and maintenance. This role is critical since they work closely with AI engineers to get AI to work. Candidates who studied computer science have the advantage. Software Engineers are also called Software developers/programmers.
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AI Ethicist
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An AI ethicist is an interesting job to be in. Unlike other AI jobs, it does not particularly focus on the technicalities of AI like coding. Rather it puts more emphasis on the end product than on the process of developing it. An AI ethicist is responsible for safeguarding that the company’s ethical
standards are upheld in their AI systems. Often, the business leaders themselves serve as the AI ethicists. |
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Data Scientist
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Data Scientists’ job could be the most complex and hardest career in AI as they assume many roles. They are partly software developers, AI engineers, and troubleshooters. They are also a direct link to business leaders. Data Scientists analyze and interpret large amounts of data and determine how they can help achieve an organization’s goal. That aside, they also take part in designing data models and creating algorithms. With the complexity of their role, Data Scientists are the highest paid too.
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Artificial Intelligence
Analyst |
Artificial Intelligence systems generate large, crucial amounts of data. Now, what will happen to those data lies in the hands of AI analysts. They are responsible for making accurate and real-time reports based on the intelligence given by AI systems. This is to cross-validate the important information given by AI machines and preempt threats. Given the nature of the job, candidates must have a strong background in data modeling, data analysis, and even business administration.
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AI offers a profound opportunity to grow your career. However, making a move to this industry will not be a walk
in the park. It requires intense technical skills and a strong background to be able to land a job in AI. If you
think you don’t qualify yet, you can start gaining the knowledge you need and learn how to start a
career in artificial intelligence.
When there’s demand, there will be supply. That’s when you should start looking at these top artificial intelligence companies to look out for business opportunities or for self-enrichment purposes. The competition between AI companies nowadays is pretty intense. Many traditional companies are shifting their pace towards technology, dedicating their resources to the AI domain. Some startups are founded solely for the purpose of developing AI technologies as well. The question is which among these companies are emerging victoriously in the AI industry.
It is no surprise for more established companies to break barriers in AI. Google, Apple, and Amazon are on the frontline in AI development. Apple has Siri, but that was just the start. Nowadays it implements Apple Face ID, a facial recognition system on iOS software, eliminating the use of passwords to unlock a device. Amazon, on the other hand, is also very aggressive in employing Amazon Rekognition technology. We all know Echo and Alexa. But on top of them, Amazon.com, the e-commerce platform, and the lifeblood of Amazon has a recommendation engine that serves as a targeted marketing tool of the business. On one hand, Google has its own segment that focuses on the development of AI infrastructures. Google acquired DeepMind to develop image recognition models and AI games among others.
Aside from giant tech companies, it is also worth mentioning some emerging AI startups that could shake the industry.
Vacasa Rental
Pretty much like Airbnb, you would think that Vacasa is just another vacation rental. However, it will surprise you that it also develops AI tools to improve customer-experience from booking to check out.
CloudMinds
Driven by AI, CloudMinds is a startup that aims to make everything automated. It has a line of robotic infrastructure used for temperature monitoring down to vending.
SparkCognition
SparkCognition develops AI systems for cybersecurity, maritime, aviation, and defense. Its AI-powered endpoint security assesses risk levels and protects critical infrastructure from break attempts.
Truly, AI is the fastest growing industry today. In 2019 alone, AI startups collectively received over $10.7B of investment as Forbes reported. As more and more is being discovered about AI, it’s business trend is also getting more interesting. If you want to be invested not on the technical but on the financial side of AI, then you might want to follow the top artificial intelligence stocks to buy.
Time and time again, we see impressive projects that further expand the spectrum of AI. The more companies that get into artificial intelligence, the more advanced the AI domain gets. This section will take a peek at the breakthrough and the most promising artificial intelligence projects the world has seen.
Sophia – The Humanoid Robot
If you haven’t heard of Sophia yet, then you must be living in a cave. With lots of TV guests and appearances, nearly everyone with a television knows her 一 or should we say it.
Sophia could be the most convincing humanoid robot we have seen. Developed by Hanson Robotics in 2016, she made a big buzz for her ability to imitate human gestures. She has human-like facial expressions and could answer questions with great precision. In many instances, she also showed her sense of humor and raised her voice for various causes such as women’s rights in Saudi Arabia. For many, it’s hard to comprehend how a robot, made of steel and metals, can do all of that. The answer is Science.
Sophia is a mixture of multiple AI architectures. For her speech, she uses speech recognition and speech synthesizer. This technology is similar to what smart speakers and text-to-speech use to create sounds. Sophia also uses OpenCog for her general reasoning. As to how she makes eye-contact and follow faces, Sophia has cameras on her eyes coupled with image recognition technology which allows her to recognize people.
With her impressive human-like abilities, it’s safe to say that Sophia is an icon in AI. Clearly, she is the one to beat. She has achieved great feats none of us thought a machine can do. You can know more about who Sophia the Robot is here.
Tesla Autopilot
For years, many automotive companies have been trying to find the perfect equation for a true self-driving car. But, nothing comes close to Tesla. With an advanced driver-assistance system, Tesla is the forerunner in the development of autonomous vehicles that could run smoothly in the street.
In Tesla Autopilot project, it powers its cars with advanced hardware that enhances safety while driving. Using its self predictive capabilities, Autopilot assists drivers with lane centering, self-parking, and semi-autonomous navigation. But, that’s it — a driver-assistance system. Although Tesla claims a full self-driving capability, Autopilot cars are not intended for use without an attentive driver. Hence, even Tesla Autopilot cars are not completely autonomous. Autopilot might work on a road without traffic, but driving them on a freeway will be much of a risk. Nonetheless, what they have achieved so far is proof that it’s just a matter of time before we see how Tesla can revolutionize the auto industry with its autonomous cars.
IBM Watson
IBM Watson is a question-answering machine that uses a combination of sophisticated AI and analytical software. The world had the first glimpse of the “supercomputer” in 2011 when it won the Jeopardy quiz show, toppling human contestants. During the time, most companies were still under experimental AI. This is why IBM Watson can be considered as the first successful AI project for the precision that it showed.
The Watson system implements natural language processing, information retrieval, and general reasoning. It also has a machine learning capability that allows it to process information and learn over time. Watson uses keywords fed through natural language to retrieve and dissect information and provide specific answers to questions. This is in contrast to document search which provides a list of documents that are ranked based on relevance.
Nowadays, IBM Watson is being commercially used in many fields. Early backer Toronto Raptors utilize it to determine the players the team should recruit. It analyzes each player’s potential as well as their skills gap. In the time of the pandemic, IBM Watson was also found to be helpful. It is helping organizations cope up with the surge of inquiries by providing fast and accurate answers around COVID-19.
The advent of artificial intelligence has brought about major innovations in many industries. It is said that we still knew little things about AI and that the technology is just in its infancy. However, even in its early days, AI has already presented exciting changes to us. With the continuous improvement in the field, it’s not hard to see a future where the world relies heavily on artificial intelligence.
We have already seen voice-activated assistants, semi self-driving cars, and artificial lifeforms. These were just part of the start. As they become part of the norm, it’s likely that they’ll be overshadowed by the future advancements. For the question of how far AI will get, we certainly don’t know for now. But the answer to that might not be very far from this point.
