Introduction
What is artificial intelligence and what role can it play in the future? We live in a world where technology is transforming almost every aspect of our lives. From self-driving cars, to smart homes and homeschooling automation, to medical care becoming AI-enabled; artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming integrated in many aspects of our lives. At its core, AI is used for reasoning and problem-solving. However, the possibilities far expand beyond these two functions. In this article, we explore the fundamentals of AI and the steps we can take to prepare for an automated tomorrow.
Exploring the Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence
AI, or “artificial intelligence”, refers to machines that are able to think and act like humans. AI-powered machines are able to learn from patterns in data and use their insights to make decisions. AI’s mechanisms can be broken down into 4 main components:
➡️ Algorithms
AI algorithms are “recipes” that tell a machine how to think logically and perform its tasks. The programming code behind AI algorithms is based on mathematical models and basically helps teach the machine how to “think” and “decide” on its own.
➡️ Data
Algorithms alone won’t do anything. Unless they are powered by data. AI-driven machines chiefly learn from data and use it to develop their models and decision-making models. Data can come in the form of historical records or live information being collected from sensors.
➡️ Models
This is like the building blocks of AI technology. AI models are what allow machines to become smarter and can help refine their performance. Moreover, the models can be trained or even built from scratch.
➡️ Computing
AI algorithms and models need computing power to be able to work. Presently, modern AI-powered technology is able to harness powerful processors, GPUs, and other hardware to improve performance and achieve faster outputs.
Check out our article AI: The Future of Many Fields
Preparing for an Automated Tomorrow
The potential applications of AI are limitless, and yet here are some of the areas that we can expect AI to transform our lives and to shape our future:
➡️ Automation and Productivity
AI can be used to automate processes and help increase overall, productivity in many areas like manufacturing, finance, and logistics. Obviously, this could help optimize processes and reduce work hours for many industries.
➡️ Transportation
Data-driven AI powered vehicles are already driving us around our cities. Indeed, soon enough we can expect to see near-fully automated self-driving cars on our roads.
➡️ Healthcare
AI-driven technology and automation can be used in healthcare to help diagnose and treat patients faster and more accurately. Presently, medical AI can learn from patient data to provide more personalized and tailored treatments.
What is artificial intelligence and what role can it play in the future? Conclusion
AI is rapidly becoming a major driving force behind many of the changes we experience in the world today. To get ready for an automated tomorrow, it’s important to equip ourselves with an understanding of the fundamentals of AI technology. Knowing the basics of algorithms, data, models and computing can help us better prepare for the AI-driven future.
Check out this other article Will artificial intelligence ever reach a point where humans are no longer needed to develop it further? to learn more about the future of AI.
What is your opinion on Artificial Intelligence? Will sentient machines replace us as a species? Post in the comments below.
Ivan Petrov is a computer programmer and data scientist. Graduate of Sofia University St. Clement Ohridski.
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