When many of us think of artificial intelligence (AI), we picture Will Smith fighting human-like robots who are trying to take over the world in I, Robot or Avengers: Age of Ultron, in which Ultron serves as an example of AI gone bad. Artificial intelligence in the real world isn’t nearly as sinister or as smart, at least not yet. Here’s a quick 101 in AI and how it’s changing our world. Hey, Siri, you ready for your close-up?
What is artificial intelligence?
In the simplest of terms, Search Enterprise AI defines AI as the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. These processes include learning (the acquisition of information and rules for using the information), reasoning (using rules to reach approximate or definite conclusions) and self-correction. Particular applications of AI include expert systems, speech recognition and machine vision.
The term was first used 63 years ago in 1965 when early AI research examined problem-solving and symbolic methods, with the US Department of Defense beginning to train computers to mimic basic human reasoning. An example of this was the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency completing a street mapping project in the 1970s and producing an intelligent personal assistant in 2003. Think of it as Siri’s older sister.
How is artificial intelligence being used today?
Artificial intelligence isn’t here to replace us but rather to augment what we can do and that means the possibilities for its uses are pretty endless. Let’s take the world of business, for example. AI is used in everything from process automation (such as transferring email and call data into record systems) to cognitive insights (such as personalized advertising in your personal online experience) and cognitive engagement (to provide 24/7 service through chatbots). You’ll also recognize the use of AI in other areas of your everyday life including Siri and Alexa, your Facebook feed (which uses AI to predict what content you want to see and to push it higher) and Netflix (which uses predictive tech to suggest shows based on your viewing preference rating).
What are some trends in AI software?
Artificial intelligence software is software that has intelligent behaviour capabilities. The professionals who create software consider the simulation of various capabilities such as learning, perception, problem-solving and reasoning. There are currently three major trends in AI software today: augmented analytics, AI-driven development and autonomous things. Augmented analytics is, according to WhatIs.com, “the use of machine learning and natural language processing to enhance data analytics, data sharing and business intelligence.” It searches for and identifies hidden patterns without personal bias. AI-driven development, meanwhile, concentrates on tools and technologies to embed AI into an application. Lastly, autonomous things employ AI to perform the tasks traditionally done by a human. Two examples of this are self-driving cars and drones.
How can you acquire this AI software knowledge and what can you do with it?
At Centennial College, those enrolled in the Software Engineering Technology – Artificial Intelligence program will have the opportunity to gain skills in state-of-the-art design and AI application development technologies. The software trends of today are covered in the program and coursework examines modern software design and AI frameworks, machine learning, data visualization, big data fundamentals, natural language processing, image recognition, recommender systems, software bots, digital ethics and privacy guidelines within AI solutions. There are also hands-on projects for students to apply their learning. Given how prevalent AI is becoming, students will be able to graduate and work in a vast range of areas including finance, health, social and multimedia, insurance, telecommunications, large retail, tech start-up, transportation, and government companies and institutions.
Written by: Izabela Szydlo