The society that we currently live in has been drastically improved with the evolution of technology. Before the advent of modern day technology, everyday life and tasks were burdensome and consumed too much of our time.

What is AI?

Artificial Intelligence is a general term that implies the use of a computer models in order to replicate intelligent behavior. Research in AI focuses on the development and analysis of algorithms that are capable of performing intelligent tasks with minimal human intervention. The term “robot” was coined by Czechoslovakian playwright Karel Capek in 1920 — “robota.”   A couple of years later, Massachusetts Institute of Technology founded its Artificial Intelligence Laboratory in a quest to mechanically mimic human minds and automation. This field has expanded a lot over the years with tremendous research being implemented to reach scientific advancements.

How do robots and machine learning relate?

Artificial Intelligence provides man made robots a computer vision to navigate and calculate their own behavior according to its integrated software program. Robots learn to perform their tasks from humans through machine learning. Nowadays, robots assemble products better, faster and often cheaper than manual laborers, while more than millions of airline flights are scheduled and flown with the use of advanced software. 

What are examples of AI in use today?

High-profile examples of AI include autonomous vehicles, medical diagnosis, online assistant( such as Siri), proving mathematical theorems, and playing games. Autonomous vehicles can be seen in various extents and capacities and have come a long way from their conceptualization in science fiction. Moreover, with social media sites overtaking TV as a source for news for young teenagers, news organizations are increasingly becoming reliant on social media platforms for generating distribution. Artificial intelligence is also playing an important role in assisting doctors in medicine. According to Bloomberg Technology, Microsoft has developed AI to help doctors find and develop medical treatments for many ailments. Furthermore, Microsoft is currently working on a project to develop a machine called “Hanover.” Its primary objective is to memorize all the papers necessary relating to history of the patient and help predict which combinations of drugs will be most effective and efficient for treatment.

What are some concerns around these advancements?

However, physicist Stephen Hawking and Tesla, SpaceX founder Elon Musk have expressed concerns about the possibility that AI could evolve to the point that humans could not control it, with Hawking theorizing that “the development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race.”