The original definition of AI, defined in 1955 by John McCarthy, one of the original creators of the field, was pretty broad and all-encompassing: “The science and engineering of making intelligent machines.”
A slightly more modern definition of AI is: a broad branch of computer science concerned with creating machines that can learn, make decisions, and perform tasks to a human-like level. Advanced AI machines can learn and grow on their own, independent of human intervention. Even basic AI can handle complex tasks that would normally need a human touch but may need the help of a programmer to learn from its mistakes and improve.
How Does AI Work?
At the most basic level, AI functions by taking in data and using an iterative processing system and different algorithms to learn from patterns found in the data, and then react to it in a specific way. Advanced AI can also measure its own performance each time this sequence runs and start iterating and improving its own performance.
AI systems use something called the propensity model to make predictions based on the data it processes, and then use those predictions to respond to or initiate actions.
Different types of AI run off different baseline AI algorithms, which make them react and learn in different ways. Some do simple tasks of categorizing data or making predictions. Some do much more complex tasks, such as driving a car without a human at the wheel.
Types of AI
There are four main types of AI, and each type is defined based on how much data it can store, and how it uses that data. Some cannot store data at all and can only react to the stimulus directly in front of it. Some can store a limited amount of data. Some have the ability to store much data and use it to improve.
Of the four types of AI that are established, at present, the last two are simply theoretical. Researchers and programmers are still working toward achieving those levels.
The four types of AI are:
- Reactive
- Limited Memory
- Theory of Mind
- Self-Awareness
Artificial Intelligence Examples and How It’s Used
In our modern day and age, AI is everywhere. Businesses use it in production lines, analytics, reports, and more. Consumers use it to navigate, search for things, and make their lives easier. But many people may not even realize they’re using AI.
A few common examples of AI include:
- Digital assistants (Siri, Alexa, etc.)
- Self-driving cars
- Navigation apps
- Social media algorithms
- Advertisements
Risks of Artificial Intelligence
We already talked about the disadvantages of AI. But what about the actual risks of using it? There are always dangers to using new technology, particularly something as advanced as AI. How it interacts with humans could cause harm or death if not carefully monitored. Not to mention, the future of AI as weapons of war, or possible superhuman AI.
Some risks are hypothetical, and some are very real things we deal with today. Three risks of AI include:
- Human interactivity: The interactions between humans and AI become more frequent by the day. If not carefully monitored, AI has the ability to malfunction and hurt or kill humans who are nearby.
- Autonomous weaponry: Though many AI experts have already signed an open letter asking governments not to use autonomous weapons in war, their development continues. These can cause catastrophic harm to civilians, and if they malfunction, could cause even more destruction.
- Superhuman AI: This hypothetical risk is not that AI will become sentient and take over the world necessarily. However, there is a very real risk that AI will develop sentience and decide to take a path to a goal that causes extreme harm to the environment or humans.