Humans have developed many technological marvels since the beginning of human civilization.
since the beginning of the 20th century, a technological revolution started. time by time humans have invented many things from aeroplanes to computers and programming languages. The newest revolution and perhaps the biggest technological invention in the 21st century is artificial Intelligence.
What is AI?
Artificial Intelligence simply means giving computers the ability to analyse data and make logical decisions on their own without any human interventions mimicking a human brain’s functioning. Basically, AI is machines or computers mimicking human intelligence to analyse data and make decisions by thinking.
For example, Amazon Alexa or Apple Siri are AI-based devices which have been created to speak and answer human questions.
How AI works?
Theory behind the process of AI is simple. AI work process is very similar to natural human work ethic. Just like a human brain, AI also has a central processing unit that use input data. Just like a human brain, AI uses computational powers to analyse data by itself. following is a simple work process of an AI:
- analysing data – process large amount of complex data structures to learn or improve a desired performances.
- test and measure performance regularly
- making predictions using datasets.
- with time and data processing with each round of data processing
- use mainly algorithmic structures
- adjusting feedback from adjustments into the algorithm.
Brief history of AI
Most of us think that AI started in 20th century with the advancements of computer technology. But the idea of Artificial creatures goes back to thousands of years when humans had civilizations such as Mayan, Greek and Roman. Ancient philosophers always talked and developed ideas about life forms that are not natural but created by humans. Also, Myths and legends describe artificial beings with intelligence or consciousness. In 1206, Ismail al-Jazari built a musical robot and wrote a book about mechanical devices.
But the technical ideas and developments on the field AI was established in 20th century. I read Walter Isaacson book called ‘Innovators’ to understand the history and time line of computer development during 20th century. During 40’s, the first programmable computer device was invented and during 50s famous computer scientist Allan Tuning introduced the theory on “Computing Machinery and Intelligence” and proposed the Turing Test to determine if a machine could think like a human. Then in 1952, Arthur Samuel created a simple program that can play a game called checkers while learning independently. John McCarthy introduced the term “Artificial intelligence” in 1955 during a workshop at Dartmouth College. He is known as the father of Artificial Intelligence for his contributions including orchestrating a series of four concurrent computer chess matches against competitors in Russia, conducted via telegraph. These matches spanned several months, culminating in McCarthy losing two and drawing two. during 70s and 80s,Early AI successes included Newell and Simon’s “General Problem Solver” and Joseph Weinbaum’s ELIZA, which could create human-like conversation. During 1980’s, the machine learning algorithms emerged, allowing AI systems to learn from data and improve over time. In 1996 the deep blue designed by engineers and computer scientists, did defeat the world chess champion in chess match. Toda un-officially, AI has surpassed the human intelligence in some areas.
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Domains in AI
there are many subfields of Artificial Intelligence. If you like to know in detail, refer to this link where I have discussed more about the domains in AI.
Domains of AI include :
natural language processing – NLP allows AI devices to understand and interact with natural human languages.
Computer Vision – CV allows devices to understand the physical world and surroundings by analysing visual inputs.
Machine Learning – giving computers the ability to make decisions by training and improving themselves with data.
Deep learning – advanced machine learning algorithms that can perform much more complex tasks than traditional ML algorithms can.
Neural Networks – They are the fundamental architecture at the core of a deep learning algorithm. They mimic a human neuron network to solve problems.
Robotics – Robotics was started before AI. Robots are artificial physical devices that can perform physical tasks such as movements and are designed to complete specialized tasks.
Future of AI
Although we can not predict entirely the future of AI, There is no drought that AI is revolutionising the world. It has already spread into many fields including military, medical, commercial, transportation etc.
However, many leading experts talk about the possible futures of AI, so we can make educated guesses. We can expect to see further adoption of AI by businesses of all sizes, changes in the workforce as more automation eliminates and creates jobs in equal measure, more robotics, autonomous vehicles, and so much more.
There is also a major growing concern about AI replacing Humans from many jobs in current job market with automation. Although there is some truth to that argument, I personally believe that AI would create many new job opportunities.