Artificial Intelligence: 10 Things You Should Know

Artificial intelligence (AI) is used far more frequently than you might believe. Here's all you need to know about AI right now and where it's headed.

Scientists and innovators have been attempting to create a computer that can think like a human since the advent of modern computing technology. Algorithms and networks have matured to form the foundation of what is now known as artificial intelligence, with the objective of making human thought and decision-making a mechanical process (AI).

AI, which was once dismissed as a science fiction premise, is today a very real and effective instrument. A slew of new startups are springing up with the goal of bringing AI service providers to the masses, and larger firms are joining the discourse as well.

While the AI sector is quickly expanding, the technology continues to face hurdles, such as being misinterpreted.

Here are ten things you should know about artificial intelligence

The roots of AI can be traced back a long way

For many of us, AI conjures up visions of a robot or other anthropomorphic robots capable of thinking and reasoning in the same way that humans can. The idea of a machine-man can be traced back to Greek mythology, such as Hephaestus' golden robots. Alchemy legends from the Middle Ages often hinted to the human brain being implanted in inanimate objects. Additionally, some religions believe that physical statues are capable of human mind and emotion.

Alan Turing had a significant impact on artificial intelligence

Alan Turing wrote Computing Machinery and Intelligence in 1950, in which he attempted to determine whether a machine could win "The Imitation Game," which is also the title of a current film on Turing. In the test, a computer attempted to discriminate between two players' genders. The Turing Test was also initially introduced in this publication. Computing Machinery and Intelligence is widely recognized as the foundational book in the field of artificial intelligence.

In the 1950s, formal AI research began

While AI services companies research had been going on for a while, it wasn't until the Dartmouth Conference in 1956 that it became a legitimate academic research area. Organizer John McCarthy pushed the use of the term "artificial intelligence." McCarthy contributed to AI research at a number of universities until his death in 2011.

Artificial intelligence relies heavily on natural language processing.

One of AI solutions company main goals is to teach a computer to understand and converse in natural languages, which is known as natural language processing (NLP). The computer must be able to extract information from natural human languages such as English or Spanish.

AI is required for autonomous vehicles

The development of autonomous vehicles, or vehicles that can drive themselves, has been one of the most significant technological developments in transportation in recent years. New vehicles, such as Google's self-driving cars and even autonomous drones, would not be viable without some of today's most advanced AI technology.

New AI firms are being funded by investors

What is deemed a "hot" market for companies ebbs and goes, but artificial intelligence solution provider is undeniably one of them. The number of new firms being funded in the industry is increasing, according to CB Insights. After only a few years in business, some companies, such as Sentient Technologies, have raised more than $100 million in capital.

AI is a big bet for big tech corporations

The rise in AI isn't entirely due to small startup enterprises. Major IT businesses are investing in the field and acquiring AI firms. IBM's Watson is capable of a wide range of tasks, including collaborating with hospitals and preparing meals. Google made headlines when it paid $400 million for AI firm DeepMind, and Facebook recently bought Wit.ai.

AI-enabled robots can collaborate to solve problems

The European CoCoRo (Collective Cognitive Robotics) Project has created artificial intelligence-powered robots that can work together like a school of fish. The robots have the ability to search an area, detect the environment, and communicate with one another.

Some robots have the ability to interact with one another

Kismet, a robot from MIT's Artificial Intelligence Lab, can communicate by recognizing human body language and voice tone and responding accordingly. Cynthia Breazeal created Kismet in the 1990s.

AI is divisive

Few technologies are as divisive as artificial intelligence. On the one hand, big corporations and academic institutions are investing heavily in AI research and development. Scientist Stephen Hawking, on the other hand, has warned that AI could be the end of humanity. Furthermore, both Elon Musk and Bill Gates have expressed reservations about AI. Whatever side you're on, there's unlikely to be a consensus on AI very soon.