What is artificial intelligence? Definition and examples

Artificial Intelligence or AI refers to software technologies that make a robot or computer act and think like a human. Some software engineers say that it is only artificial intelligence if it performs as well or better than a human. In this context, when we talk about performance, we mean human computational accuracy, speed, and capacity.

Artificial intelligence is a theory and development of computer systems that can perform tasks that normally require human intelligence. Speech recognition, decision-making, visual perception, for example, are features of human intelligence that artificial intelligence may possess. Translation between languages is another feature.

Humans can ‘learn as we go along.’ In other words, learn from experience. Machines with AI can also do that. We call it machine learning. A neural network is an example of machine learning.

Expanding beyond neural networks, AI technologies are also exploring the realms of deep learning and reinforcement learning, which enable machines to process information and make decisions in even more complex and nuanced ways, closely mimicking human thought processes.

TechTerms has the following definition of the term:

“Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is the ability of a computer to act like a human being. It has several applications, including software simulations and robotics.”

“However, artificial intelligence is most commonly used in video games, where the computer is made to act as another player.”

Artificial intelligence contrasts with natural intelligence. Humans and other animals display natural intelligence.

Artificial Intelligence
The Oxford Living Dictionaries have the following definition of artificial intelligence: “The theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages.”

Artificial intelligence – John McCarthy

John McCarthy (1927-2011), an American computer scientist and cognitive scientist, coined the term ‘artificial intelligence.’ In fact, he was one of the founders of the discipline of AI.

McCarthy received the Turing Award for his contributions to the topic of artificial intelligence. He also received the Kyoto Prize and the United States National Medal of Science.

In a 1979 article titled ‘Ascribing Mental Qualities to Machines,’ McCarthy wrote:

“Machines as simple as thermostats can be said to have beliefs, and having beliefs seems to be a characteristic of most machines capable of problem-solving performance.”

John McCarthy - coined term Artificial Intelligence
According to History-Computer.com: “During the 1970s McCarthy presented a paper on buying and selling by computer, prophesying what has become known as e-commerce.” (Images: McCarthy Old – Wikipedia. McCarthy young – history-computer.com)

Artificial intelligence – its environment

Typical AIs perceive their environment and take actions that improve their chances of achieving their goals successfully.

An artificial intelligence’s objective may be a simple one. Its goal, for example, may be to win at tic-tac-toe (UK: noughts and crosses).

On the other hand, its goal may be complex. An AI, for example, may perform actions mathematically similar to actions that got it rewards in the past.

An AI’s goal may be defined or induced. According to Wikipedia:

“If the AI is programmed for ‘reinforcement learning.’ goals can be implicitly induced by rewarding some types of behavior and punishing others.”

“Alternatively, an evolutionary system can induce goals by using a ‘fitness function’ to mutate and preferentially replicate high-scoring AI systems; this is similar to how animals evolved to innately desire certain goals such as finding food, or how dogs can be bred via artificial selection to possess desired traits.”

Automation today and a century ago
There were many more humans in a typical car factory a century ago. What will car factories look like in one-hundred years’ time?

Artificial intelligence – automation

Automation is the use of computer-controlled devices to assume control of processes. Business leaders like automation because it boosts efficiency, productivity, and reliability.

  • Unemployment

For society, however, there are concerns. In most cases, automation replaces labor. In other words, when you have robots entering the workplace, people lose jobs.

Many economists and sociologists today fear that artificial intelligence will eventually take over most jobs. In other words, AI will push up unemployment rates dramatically.

For robots and other electronic devices to take over tasks that humans do, they must have artificial intelligence.

  • AI creeping into every aspect of everyday life

In most advanced economies and many emerging economies, artificial intelligence is entering the workplace in a big way. In fact, not only is AI becoming more common in the workplace, but also in the home, and even outdoors.

Apart from economists and sociologists, some eminent scientists also worry about artificial intelligence. When Prof. Stephen Hawking was alive, he worried about AI a lot. He wondered, for example, what would happen to humans when AI became more sophisticated and smarter than us.

Regarding AI in the future, Prof. Hawking said:

“It would take off on its own, and re-design itself at an ever-increasing rate. Humans, who are limited by slow biological evolution, couldn’t compete, and would be superseded.”

Artificial intelligence – business

Artificial intelligence has now become a major factor in business competitiveness, said Tata Consultancy Services. The firm carried out a study involving 835 executives who worked in thirteen global industry sectors across the world.

Eighty-four percent of the executives said they considered the use of artificial intelligence to be ‘essential.’ Specifically, essential for competitiveness. Half of the respondents said they saw AI as ‘transformative.’

Ananth Krishnan, Chief Technology Officer of Tata Consulting, said:

“As companies begin to gain a better understanding of AI’s application for business, they will realize the significant impact of this transformative force. This is reflected in our Global Trend Study, which shows that forward-thinking companies are beginning to make major AI investments.”

“Given the increasing digital disruption across every industry and the public sector, AI should become a key and integrated component of an organization’s strategy.”

Self-Driving Car - Mercedes-Benz F 015 Luxury in Motion
The following quote comes from the Mercedes-Benz website: “The passengers in self-driving cars use their newly gained free time while traveling for relaxing or working as they please.” (Image: mercedes-benz.com)

Self-driving vehicles

Rapid advancements in AI have contributed to the growth of the automotive industry. Specifically, through the creation and continued development of self-driving cars.

In 2016, there were more than thirty companies testing self-driving cars using artificial intelligence. Apple, Google, and Tesla, for example, have been using AI for several years.

The artificial intelligence in self-driving vehicles learns how to brake safely, change lanes, and prevent collisions. It also learns how to navigate and use maps.

In Frisco, Texas, Drive.ai, a self-driving vehicle startup, has launched a pilot program. In a busy sector of Frisco, people can hail self-driving vehicles for free. All they need is a smartphone app.

In a press release, Drive.ai wrote:

“Drive.ai will offer rides to over 10,000 people in self-driving vehicles within a geofenced area comprised of retail, entertainment, and office space.”

“The initial pilot will run for six months, beginning with fixed pickup and drop-off locations around HALL Park and The Star, and with planned expansion into Frisco Station.”

“This program is a milestone for the State of Texas, marking the first time members of the public will have access to an on-demand self-driving car service on public roads. ”

This pilot program represents a pioneering step towards integrating autonomous vehicles into urban transport systems, offering insights into future mobility solutions and their impact on city planning and congestion management.

  • Self-driving trucks

At the end of 2018, engineers will be testing partially self-driving trucks in the UK. The UK Department for Transport (DfT) and Highways England commissioned Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) to carry out the tests.

The trucks will be traveling in a convoy. The lead vehicle, which will have a human driving it, will control braking and acceleration of the other two trucks. The trucks will communicate wirelessly with each other.

In a statement, the DfT said:

“Lorries (trucks) on motorways are a step closer to accelerating, braking and steering in sync through wireless technology, thanks to £8.1 million government funding for trials announced today.”

Medicine

People are currently using AI in several different fields. For example, in medicine, an MIT team has created an AI model for brain cancer treatment regimens.

The model formulates less toxic regimens that still manage to reduce tumor size.

In many cases, treatment frequency changed from monthly to once or twice a year. Some dosages were 50% smaller.

This approach has the potential to significantly improve patient quality of life by minimizing the side effects associated with more frequent and higher dosages of medication.

Three Videos

These three YouTube videos come from our sister channel, Marketing Business Network. They explain what the terms “Artificial Intelligence (AI)”, “Machine Learning”, and “Robot” mean using easy-to-understand language and examples:

  • What is Artificial Intelligence or AI?

  • What is Machine Learning?

  • What is a Robot?