ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: A BRIEF ACCOUNT

Intelligence by definition is “the capacity for learning, reasoning, understanding and similar forms of mental activity”. However, “artificial intelligence” (AI) is intelligence exhibited by machine, a machine that mimics “cognitive” functions associated with human minds including “learning” and “problem solving”.

The four basic ingredients needed for making AI are:

1. Data at large scale and high quality
2. Computer resources (hardware)
3. Algorithms (i.e. software)
4. Talent to put it all together

The field of AI draws upon computer science, mathematics, psychology, linguistics, philosophy, neuroscience and artificial psychology. Artificial psychology is a largely theoretical discipline which addresses dysfunctionality of AI when it approaches certain level of complexity. The center of AI world has shifted from academic labs to applied research labs at large technology companies.

The examples of AI are as follows:

1.  The AI that takes part in conversation or dialogue such as Siri or other personal assistants.
2.  A mechanically embodied AI where intelligence moves and acts as seen in robots.
3.  AI as reasoner and problem solver achieving goals in a wide range of environments such as  playing  chess, solving logical proofs, and planning complex tasks.
4.  AI as big data learner (Deep learning) mining user data, recognizing interrelations and catering  to our needs.
5.  AI as a model builder, planning for development using local probabilistic models combining  an AI  planner with a real time system.
6.  The specialized AI which helps improve aspects of management such as productivity,  performance,  and talent mobility.
7.  Natural language processing AI which is the ability of a computer to understand and use  human  speech.
8.  Neural network which is a form of information processing that uses multiple nodes to imitate  and surpass the biology of the brain.
9.  The Strong AI when AI fully rivals, or even exceeds, our own

The machine’s ability is tested by Turing test which was originally developed by Alan Turing in 1950. The test states that if a human being can’t tell the difference between an AI and a real human over a chat program, the AI has passed the test. However, there is still plenty of controversy over the rules.

There are demands and suggestions for Open AI in order to avoid economic displacement and actual conflicts. The goal is to maximize the chances of developing “friendly” AI that will help, rather than harm humanity.

Sources

1.      Wikipedia

2.      Beau Cronin:

                     AI’s dueling definitions, June 2014.
                    The dynamic forces shaping AI, July 2016.

3.      Mike Loukides, Ben Lorica. What is AI? June 2016.

4.      MIT-Sloan. Using AI to humanize management, June 2016.

5.      Philippe Roi -Tristan Girard:
   A brief glossary of the ideas behind AI, July 2016.