Artificial intelligence (AI) is a machine that is able to mimic human behavior. Associated behaviors include planning, learning, reasoning, and problem-solving just to name a few. As AI technology gets better and faster the future of AI is expected to help improve human communication and increase efficiency for many service-based industries.
The future of AI is expected to know what you are hungry for and suggest options that you are likely to choose then having to think about it yourself, which will be backed up by previous data stored to the computer/program such as previous eating habits and common restaurants that you commonly go to. There are many different applications for the future of AI and its presence is going to be in almost every different type of industry.
What is AI?
Artificial intelligence is already a big part of our lives yet we might not notice it. When we use search engines such as Google or Youtube, artificial intelligence is used to show us the best options related to our search. Youtube has used this technology a lot to predict the type of videos you would want to watch and then showcases them on your suggested videos section, based on other videos you have watched/clicked on before. Every time you ask Siri a question, natural language processing (NLP) and speech recognition is being used.
The backbone of AI is machine learning, which is essentially we want machines to be able to learn by themselves based on large amounts of data provided. Machine learning uses algorithms that give computers the ability to learn from data, and then make predictions and decisions.
There are two main components of machine learning:
- Use algorithms to find meaning in random data that is not necessarily related.
- To find relationships between that data via learning algorithms.
So essentially, machine learning is used to make a machine more efficient at the task it is designed to do. These tasks can vary from predicting changes in the Stock Market to Google translating web pages between two different languages. Now similar to how humans learn, which is through practice, similarly over time, Google Translate has become faster and more accurate due to practice.
The top 5 Trends in Artificial Intelligence
Deep Learning
Deep learning is a form of artificial intelligence that develops algorithms called artificial neural networks which models the function and structure of the human brain. Deep learning is a branch of machine learning and is currently the technology behind self-driving cars (Tesla), image recognition and voice control. With the advancement of technology, specifically, voice recognition devices such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google home, they all use natural language processing (NLP) which is an example of deep learning.
Rise of AI-enabled Chips
AI relies on specialized processors that complement the CPU. In 2019, companies such as Intel, NVIDIA and AMD have created specialized chips that speed up the execution of AI-enabled applications. These chips will be optimized for different processes such as computer vision, natural language processing, and speech recognition. Some of the largest tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Facebook have invested large amounts of resources into developing specialized AI chips, each one enabled for specific functions.
Chatbots
As AI gets more advanced, so does the technology for automated chatbots. For companies that get 100,000 messages/emails from customers asking questions about their product or services, it does not make sense to hire a group of people to respond to these messages.
AI has allowed the development of automated chatbots, which can take a question asked by a customer and then search a database of similar questions and then try to solve the individual problem. These chatbots can be both text- and voice-based and are already helping large companies save millions.
AI has allowed technology to understand a customers problem and then direct them on what are the next steps, which before was done by a person. AI is not only being used to help save time but it also helps save money and makes the task much easier for both parties involved (i.e the company and the customer).
Facial Recognition
Facial recognition software is one of the latest trends in artificial intelligence. This technology is widely used in China right now to not only monitor its citizens but to ensure security and to increase authority. Many people in China right now are using facial recognition to buy items from a store, purchase plane tickets and enter and exit buildings. With the advancement of this technology in the next few years, China hopes to monitor every single citizen and collect a database of information about daily habits and activities of its people.
With the advancement of this technology in the near future, there are going to be pros and cons associated with it. The pros would be greater security and stability within the nation, the cons would be greater control that the government has over its people. As technology progresses, one of the main fears associated with it is the abuse of power. Some people believe that this technology can be used by the government to execute greater control on citizens, as they will have data about their daily habits, places they visit and the people they meet and interact with.
Ethics in AI
With the advancement of artificial intelligence getting faster and smarter by the day, a common thought that arises is the power behind AI and what they can do with it. Right now a majority of the large companies in the world, such as Amazon and Google, have the resources to expand their understanding and application of AI, yet many people are skeptical about what they can do with this. The famous quote, “with great power comes great responsibility” is very true in this instance.
With AI these companies can understand the behavior of people, probably better than the individual themselves. Can this lead to these companies controlling their actions? Predicting how they will act politically and which party they will favor? Can security cross the line and start becoming a method of control? These and many more related questions are thought about and pondered when we think about the ethics associated with artificial intelligence.
Summing Up
In conclusion, artificial intelligence is improving our lives in ways we can’t imagine. From being able to speak and have it translated into texts on our phones all the way to Amazon predicting what is the best coffee cup to buy based on our previous purchases, artificial intelligence is truly changing our world and making our lives easier.
With all the benefits associated with AI, with it comes a lot of questions around the power and ability someone or a company/government might have in terms of controlling and monitoring others. Only as this technology progresses over time will we truly see the benefits and limitations brought about through the wide use of artificial intelligence.
Here at Web4you, we have been one of the top AI companies in Toronto, due to our team of professionals who have been working with us for the past 15 years. We have some of the world’s best artificial intelligence developers and have completed projects ranging from facial recognition software for retail stores to detect frequent customers to speech recognition software for educational learning companies.
Artificial intelligence is growing day by day and slowly our lives are drastically becoming easier without us even realizing that it is because of AI, which is why AI is believed to be something that will create a massive change in humanity. Are you ready for this change?
