With the great rise of computers, manual work processes have been reduced significantly. Therefore, these devices have been adopted in virtually all sectors and thus, human beings depend heavily on their use .
In this sense, many people ask “Can a machine think and act like human beings do?” , since now we are all completely surrounded by computer systems and machines. Which, although previously it was only a science fiction issue, over the years the possibility of creating artificial systems capable of reasoning and acting as human beings was implemented.
This was possible thanks to the development of the attractive Artificial Intelligence (AI) , which has been established in our lives and although it is still in its initial phase, it is estimated that it will be the protagonist of a revolution similar to the one generated by the Internet . That way, we want to introduce you to all aspects of interest around AI.
Index:
What is artificial intelligence and what are its principles?
To begin, let’s see what Artificial Intelligence consists of. Which, basically, is the simulation of human intelligence by machines and can be defined as a combination of proposed algorithms with the aim of creating teams that show the same capabilities of the human being Such a combination of algorithms, including learning, reasoning and self-correction, usually.
Expressed another way, AI stands out as the discipline responsible for establishing systems with the virtue of learning and reasoning just as people do . So, learn from experience, find out the ways to solve problems under certain given conditions, contrast information and perform logical tasks.
For its part, it is also necessary to know what are the origins of the famous AI in the world , as well as its history and evolution and even what expect this simulation to be in the future . So, below, we detail everything about it:
Origin
In 1956, the expression “Artificial Intelligence” was coined by the renowned American computer scientist, John McCarthy . This, while the Dartmouth Conference was taking place, being an event of great importance because there was officially born, this discipline that promises so much for the future.
However, the most basic ideas of AI date back to the Greeks, before Christ . Given that, Aristotle (384-322 BC) was the first character to describe a set of rules that specify a part of the functioning of the mind in order to obtain rational conclusions. In addition, Ctesibio de Alejandría (250 BC) was the one who built the first self-controlled machine through a water flow regulator.
For its part, the Artificial Intelligence manifesto also dates back to 1936 . Since, during that year, Alan Turing began to theorize about “machines that could work by themselves” .
This, thanks to the article called “Calculable Numbers” , which served as a great help to establish the theoretical basis and thus, was considered the official origin of theoretical computing. From there, the concept of the “Turing Machine” was born that formalized the concept of algorithm and was the pioneer of digital computers.
History and evolution
For its part, in the 1960s , the United States Department of Defense showed great interest in the whole concept of Artificial Intelligence and thanks to that, began to train teams that could mimic basic human reasoning . Thus, a work that opened the way for automation and the formal reasoning that is seen in computers, now.
Added to this, in the decade of the 90s’ and at the beginning of the 21st century, there was the expansion of AI for two transcendental reasons . The first of these, has to do with the increase in computing capacity of computers in the market and the other reason, is based on digitization that produced monumental amounts of data that could be processed to obtain utility from them.
In this sense, an unprecedented investment was made by famous technology companies, at the time, which saw great potential in it. Since, they specified that when applying analytics and algorithms on data, it was possible to obtain incredible services, products and insights that will add value to society and of course, to companies.
With that investment, began the great evolution of Artificial Intelligence which, at that time, was nothing more than a term coined many years ago. So, they managed to develop new technologies for the progress of AI.
This evolution was especially visualized by the great event of 1997, when a computer called “Deep Blue” of IBM, had the ability to beat in a chess game to Gary Kaspárov , the world champion at that time. Thus, it was ensured that the machine had surpassed human capabilities and through it, Artificial Intelligence was definitely consecrated .
Future
Although, at the beginning, there were two obstacles; These have already been surpassed today . Which were based on computing capacity and data . With respect to the data, the digitalization has allowed to establish more uses for the same and thanks to this advances, they are no longer a problem for the progress of the AI.
On the other hand, with respect to the computing capacity , it was also a fault overcome. Which was achieved thanks to:
- Vertical scalability : It allowed to make computers more powerful and following Moore’s Law that assures that, approximately every two years, the number of transistors in a microprocessor is doubled.
- Horizontal scalability : By having several computers compute into one, through powerful technologies such as Big Data.
Thanks to this, a large number of devices with Artificial Intelligence have been created around the world and it is hoped to build a sustainable future from this technology . Taking into account that, its development will continue to polarize and it is also considered a great promise that can help people, businesses and communities to join.
Additionally, experts have ensured that a great acceleration in technological advances of all types will be obtained , due to AI. In view of the fact that, although computers with large provisions and robots capable of seeing, hearing, answering questions, learning and solving problems have already been created; In a few years, the latter will be able to design faster teams and robots than those created by the same humans today.
How does «Artificial Intelligence» work to try to think and act like a person?
Basically, Artificial Intelligence (AI) develops through algorithms that consist of mathematical learning abilities; So they can try to think and act like a human being. In addition to this, this technology is also based on the data needed to train these algorithms.
Generally, these data are observable, publicly available or generated in certain companies. So, the operation of Artificial Intelligence is limited by the algorithms that iterate over such data in order to learn through them .
For its part, it is also necessary to know the basic principles on which the AI relies , in order to understand its operation a little more.
Here are four of the main bases of this technological concept:
- “Fair” Artificial Intelligence : It is estimated that applications of this technology should provide truly fair results . In other words, they cannot have discriminatory impacts in terms of ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, ability or any condition on a personal level.
- “Focused on people ”: It must be at the service of society and with it, generate tangible advantages for human beings, taking into account that their rights cannot be violated by AI.
- “Transparent and explainable” : Another important object around the operation of this intelligence is that users know that they are interacting with an AI system, just like their data will be used and with what an end.
- “Privacy and security from the design” : It is significant that you can preserve the security of both personal and anonymous and aggregated data.
Based on all this, Artificial Intelligence systems try to think and act as people do. However, many wonder if such technology can be aware as human beings and there is a great deal of confusion .
Therefore, it is valuable to clarify that, until now, AI cannot count on such awareness , since it is not possible to include psychological aspects to an «Artificial Intelligence», although it is expected that they can simulate them So, even if the machine is not aware, it can trick people into looking like it does.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence for humans ?
With all the above, you will be wondering what are the pros and cons that Artificial Intelligence reveals for human beings, currently. So, in order to learn more about this concept, we want to present the main advantages and disadvantages that AI has exhibited with its development :
Advantages and benefits
To start, we detail the most interesting advantages or benefits that «Artificial Intelligence» shows in order to support the progress of society:
- Minimize the possibilities of error : Almost completely, the AI makes it possible to end the possibilities of error, because it allows to obtain greater precision, when computing and comparing large quantities of variables and data.
- Simplify people’s day-to-day : By knowing and predicting their needs, interests or tastes. This, we can see with the forecasts of the smartphones that we currently use, as well as with the applications of digital assistants.
- The ability to perform repetitive tasks that require a lot of resources and Time : Thanks to this, it manages to increase efficiency in many processes. In addition, lacking emotions, it is possible to process and make decisions in a completely rational way.
- Machines with AI can replace human beings in laborious and thorough work areas : From this ability, human beings can focus on tasks that require greater responsibility.
- Provides advances in medicine : Through their development of intelligent algorithms , this technology offers the possibility of evaluating and diagnosing patients, simulating surgeries and brain functions, as well as applying radiosurgery in cases of risk, in which precision is fundamental.
- You can assign complex tasks and dangerous for humans : Machines with «Artificial Intelligence» can be very useful to overcome the limitations that humans have. So, they facilitate activities such as space exploration or mining.
- Optimal management, data analysis and records in areas as susceptible as financial activity : It has the capacity of detecting fraud and anomalies, as well as organizing capital in the best way. Reason why, a Master of Artificial Intelligence is one of the most sought-after features in the professionals of this industry, today.
- They do not require breaks or breaks : machines developed through AI do not need frequent breaks or refreshments, as they are programs to run continuously, without being distracted, bored or tired; So they can work for long hours without any problem. In that way, it accelerates productivity in many processes that benefit human beings.
Disadvantages and risks
However, Artificial Intelligence systems also show certain negative repercussions for people. Therefore, it is also of great importance to specify what are the disadvantages and risks that AI reveals.
Next, we present its most notable cons :
- High cost : There is no doubt that Artificial Intelligence requires truly enormous costs, given that they are such complex machines and thus, their maintenance is also very expensive. In addition to this, in case of serious breakdowns, procedures to recover lost codes and reinstall the entire system may require excessive amounts of money, as well as time.
- It could influence unemployment of many people in the world : Artificial Intelligence supposes the substitution of human work by machines and this would result in unemployment of a large number of people. Which is a really worrying reason and can also affect fields such as Industry 4.0.
- Without efficiency to alter responses depending on variable situations : Unfortunately, machines with AI do not They are as efficient as human beings when it comes to rethinking answers. Taking into account that, by basing their behavior and learning solely on computer data, their responses could not be adapted to real needs.
- There is no original creativity : If you expect creativity or imagination by Artificial Intelligence, this will not be possible. Since, these aspects are not the strong point of these systems and for that reason, they cannot compete with the power of thinking that the human brain has nor with the originality of a creative mind.
- There is no improvement with experience : It is impossible that AI can be improved with experience, unlike people. Bearing in mind that, these systems store a lot of data and over time, can lead to wear. Thus, the way in which such data can be accessed and used differs greatly from human intelligence.
- Its responsibility lies with humans : Despite all the capabilities that exhibits the «Artificial Intelligence», its design and application are the full responsibility of the people. That is, its benefits or risks will depend on the way in which developers decide to use it.
Classification of artificial intelligence How many exist and what are they characterized?
According to Stuart J. Russell and Peter Norvig , the creators of “Modern Approach” which is a university textbook on Artificial Intelligence; There are four types of this technology. Which, are based on systems that are developed according to a unique feature.
Next, its main features:
Systems that think rationally
They are based on systems that attempt to mimic the rational logical system of human beings. In that way, they try to make decisions that are based on logic. Additionally, they relate to the automation of activities that are linked to learning and problem solving. Currently, they are known as “expert systems” .
Systems that act rationally
Its main idea is the fact of emulating human behavior and is based on systems that think rationally. Added to this, they link with intelligent behaviors and artifacts, but this time they act.
Systems that think like humans
Unlike the first type of classification systems, this has the main function to represent the human mind in general , but in machines. So, they manage to imitate people’s own characteristics, such as problem solving, learning, decision making and knowledge acquisition.
Systems that act like humans
As the name implies, this system has the ability to act like human beings and specializes in emulating their behavior . It should be noted that, its main objective is to create machines with the suitability of executing activities that people can commonly do. A clear example of such systems is robotics.
On the other hand, the branches of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are also distinguished as another of the classifications of this extensive technology.
Thus, the types of AI are as follows:
- Reactive machines : A machine or robot of this type consists of a system that does not see the world beyond things. This means that, they are based on robots focused on performing certain specific tasks, exclusively. Therefore, their behavior is the same every time. Example: the “Deep Blue” created by IBM.
- Machines with limited memory : As the name implies, they are machines that have a Restricted memory and for that reason, they do not have a learning library. An example of these machines are smart cars that can only monitor activities such as speed and direction in a certain period of time.
- Machines with mental theory : These are devices based on the “Theory of Mind” , which consists in distinguishing and understanding the mental states of other subjects. That is to say, it is what differentiates the intelligent robots and machines that exist today. Thus, it is likely that they also have artificial emotions.
- Machines with their own conscience : They are based on a clear objective, and the robot manages to have a representation of who it’s . So that, as with human beings, the machine can identify endless emotions. However, we are still far from creating an artificial science with a consciousness of our own.
What are all the uses and applications that can be given to the AI in each sector?
On the other hand, it is of great interest to know what are the most relevant uses and applications that can be given to «Artificial Intelligence» in each sector , nowadays.
Reason why, in this section of the post, we will limit these aspects :
- In Engineering : Facilitates the design, control and analysis.
- In Education : Provides practical training, exams and exams. Optimal diagnosis.
- In Medicine : Because of its precision and the ability to evaluate and diagnose patients, simulate surgeries and brain functions, as well as apply radiosurgery.
- In Finance : Supports planning , analysis and consulting.
- In Marketing : Through process automation, Data Driven Marketing, personalized interaction, programmatic advertising and content creation.
- In Cartography : Allows the interpretation of photographs, design and resolution of cartographic problems.
- In Manufacturing : Through design, planning, programming, control, monitoring, project management, computer vision and simplified robotics.
- In Armament Systems : With the electronic warfare, adaptive control, image processing, signal processing, objective identification, etc.
- In Management and Control : Provides intelligent analysis and objective setting.
- In Data Processing : Encourage education, intelligent data access, natural language interface, intelligent data analysis and database managers as well.
In the Software area : From teaching, specification, design, verification and maintenance.
Timeline of the most important events in the history of artificial intelligence
Finally, it is very important to know which have been the most valuable events during the history of Artificial Intelligence (AI) so far.
So, we indicate them immediately, chronologically :
1969 – Shakey the Robot
It was the first general-purpose mobile robot, with the ability to make decisions about its own actions while reasoning about its environment. This event occurred because, at that time, Artificial Intelligence was falling far behind the extensive predictions made by its defenders.
1973 – There was a” freezing “of Intelligence Artificial
Beginning in the 70’s, Artificial Intelligence was involved in serious problems. Since, many had invested in it and there was little to show, so far. Reason why, there were strong criticisms from the United States Congress .