We are living in an era where technology is being used to make our lives simpler. This is where Artificial Intelligence is taking the world by storm. You are hearing this term all the time. It has literally become a buzzword. It is all over the news everyday and companies are investing billions on it. According to Google Trends AI is one of the most searched term on the internet. It is playing a pivotal role in shaping our future. Even though everyone is talking about AI but there are a very few who know what exactly it is.
Everyone is talking about, its become one of the conversation starters ! But trust me out all the people only 10% would know what exactly is AI. People think of AI as some robots and they will do the jobs of the humans and take away their jobs.
But what is Artificial Intelligence , AI as its generally referred. Lets break it down for a layman because not everyone is an engineer here!
The way Humans have brains and can make decisions, similarly it is like giving brains to the computers to help them learn from data from which they get the ability to make decisions and talk like humans. AI is a science of making the machines smart and function like humans.
Now you might be wondering how does that happen. Lets break it down.
AI is basically a set of tools or we can smart tools which go through huge amounts of data or information to recognize patterns, and make decisions or predictions just like humans do. In order to achieve this you need large amounts of data and data sets incorporated into them. For example you have a computer which observes tons of data. This data could be a text, image, numbers and many other things. AI algorithms will analyze this data, search for patterns in it. Once the analysis is done AI will make decisions and predictions. Now in order to train these machines to copy us we need to understand Machine Learning
Key Components of AI
- Machine Learning
- Deep Learning
- Neural Network
- Natural Language Processing ( NLP)
- Computer Vision
- Cognitive Computing
Machine Learning
Machine Learning is a process in which a set of computers will learn from data and make predictions and decisions based on it. ML will absorb patterns from data. Suppose yo want to make your computer recognize cats, with ML you will teach them to recognize cats from pictures rather than listing every cat-like feature. ML works on data the more data you provide the better results you will get. It practices with data just the way humans make better decisions with experience.
Supervised Learning
When the computer is given an input data and a corresponding output data to it , it will learn the algorithm and continue to predict the right output data. The algorithm will learn by comparing the predictions to the actual outcomes and adjust till it can make accurate predictions on new unseen data.
Unsupervised Learning
When the computer is given complex set of input data and no output data for it, the machine identifies the relationships between the data and provide valuable insights for decision makers. The goal of the system is to identify hidden patterns or groups within the data.
Deep Learning
Deep learning is a subset of Machine Learning. In this process data is processed through multiple layers and allows the network to learn and model complex patterns in large datasets. DL excel at tasks such as image and speech recognition, NLP, and sequence generation.
Machine Learning works on the mechanism of “if this, then that” whereas deep learning has has “if this, then that, then what about (x)?” on repeat. Machine learning can ask and answer one question and after that requires human intervention. Deep Learning will ask and answer one question and then based on the answer will ask another question and answer it too and so on. Deep Leaning has done many advancements in AI like speech and image recognition , language translation.
Neural Network
These are inspired by the human brain. It is composed of layers of nodes that process input data and are able to make predictions.
Cognitive Computing
the purpose of this is to recreate the human thought process in a computer model. It aims to imitate and improve the interactions between humans and computers by understanding human language .
Natural language processing (NLP)
Through NLP branch of AI computers interact with humans through language. NLP enables the machines to understand, interpret and generate the human language. This tool allows the computer to recognize, understand and interpret human speech and language. This application is used in virtual assistants like Siri , Alexa, chatbots, translation services like google translate to convert text from one language to another language.
Computer Vision
This enables the computers to identify and interpret image content like pictures, videos, PDF . It teaches the machine to see and process the images just like humans do. It has various applications like face recognition in smart phones, automatically tagging social media photos, in analyzing medical images like X ray and MRI and diagnosing diseases.
Types of AI
AI is usually categorized into two broad types : Strong AI and Weak AI. Let us understand what these are and how they differ.
Weak AI also called Narrow AI
This particular form of AI performs certain specific tasks with intelligence. In this machines are designed to excel in their designated functions without going beyond its initial programming. They do not have general awareness or intelligence to apply their abilities beyond their specific tasks. Examples of Weak AI are virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa , recommendation engines like on streaming platforms like Netflix , Spotify and all, Google Maps uses AI algorithm to suggest fastest route and real time traffic details,
Strong AI also called General AI
In this systems/machines posses the ability to understand, learn and apply the knowledge across various domains. These display human like intelligence. This is currently hypothetical and we are still working on achieving General AI. If created it would perform all tasks just like humans , They will have the ability to reasoning, intelligence and understand complex problems even those which it is not specifically programmed to solve.
Uses of AI in Everyday Life and Across Industries
AI is bringing in big change in our lives and making it way easier. AI has entered into industrial sector as well and revolutionizing the industries. AI is helping to enhance the business operations by helping in decision making processes, customer interactions to gain competitive advantages and drive business outcomes.
AI in Personal Lives
AI is bringing multitude of advantages in our daily lives. AI in smartphones is used everyday by each one of us. Features like Voice Recognition, Face recognition are all powered by AI. Virtual Assistants like Sir and Google Assistant use AI to understand and respond to your queries and commands.
Google Maps which works on AI helps you find the fastest route and predicts traffic conditions and give real time updates. Netflix and Amazon employ AI to provide recommendations based on your past preferences.
AI in healthcare
AI has helped the healthcare industry to a large extend. It is improving diagnostics , helping in personalized treatments and optimizing operations. Machine Learning models analyze the data to predict about any disease, identify the risks and recommend about the treat plan ahead. AI software can analyze CT scans , MRI and X Ray and diagnose diseases. AI can also analyze vast biological data which helps in research process to develop new drugs. AI assistants and chatbots helps the patients in providing medical information, scheduling of doctor appointments and complete other administrative tasks.
AI in Business
AI is integrating various business functions and industries with a aim to improve the efficiency, customer experience , planning and decision making. For increasing the efficiency and productivity Microsoft has done integration with AI through product like Copilot in Microsoft 365. Many of the tasks which would take much of human time is now done in fraction of time. This shift has lead to more innovations as individuals are now able to have more time to think creatively and strategically. This has to unprecedented growth for industries. Machine Learning models now provide data analytics and customer relationship management platforms to help companies provide personalized offering to their customers.
Today all websites and apps have virtual assistants and chatbots to provide round the clock customer service and answer common questions of the customers. ChatGPT another AI tool helps in automating tasks like product design and ideation, computer programming and document drafting.
AI in Transportation
There has been a significant positive shift in the transportation industry due to AI. AI models helps in analyzing the data on product demand and inventory levels. This helps in increasing the warehouse efficiency. AL maximizes the space utilization by rearranging the shelves and racks, store areas leading to cost savings. AI offers timely alerts by real time tracking of shipments. Advances AI algorithm optimize delivery routes based on traffic and location helps in reduced delivery time. AI enhances over all efficiency and thus improves customer satisfaction.
AI in Travel Industry
AI has also revolutionized the travel industry. AI models help to create personalized itineraries for people. AI works as a personal travel advisor curating ideal travel experience for each traveler. AI powered chatbots help travelers with their queries during booking process. Chatbots provide immediate support offering details about pricing, place and other things helping travelers to make informed decisions.
AI in Real Estate
Al helps in determining the worth of a real estate property by analyzing historical data, local market conditions and the attributes of the property. This provide unbiased precise valuations to the customers, sellers and lenders. AI transforms the property management operations by reducing errors and enhancing the efficiency . AI automates identification of potential leads. Through predictive analysis AI provides high priority leads and predict lead conversion chances. AI technologies help to detect fraudulent activities in real estate listings ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining transparency in the industry.
AI in education
AI automates the grading processes, giving educators more time for other things. AI tools also helps students to help asses their performance and adapt to their individual needs. AI tutors provide more support to students helping them learn better and solve their doubts. With more tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini it is helping educators to craft better teaching materials and engage students in more innovative ways.
AI in finance and banking
AI tools helps the bankers and financial organizations to make more informed decisions regarding granting loans, setting the credit limits and identifying investment opportunities. Banks now use AI chatbots to inform the customers about services and offerings. Machine Learning has helped traders to execute trading at speed and efficiencies far better than what human traders can do manually
AI in law
AL is bringing a huge change in the law sector by automating all the labor intensive tasks like document review and discovery response which is otherwise a very tedious job for attorneys and paralegals. Analytics and predictive AI analyzes data and case law, computer vision to extract information from documents and NLP to interpret and respond to discovery requests.
AI in software development and IT
Various AI tools are transforming the software development, Dev Ops and IT. AIOps tools enable predictive maintenance of IT environment . They analyze the system data to inform about potential issues before they actually occur. By analyzing historical system data AI tools help flag potential anomalies in real time.
Future of AI
The future of AI is exciting as well as uncertain. AI will continue to integrate more and more with our personal lives from smart homes and cities to personalized medicines and education. There are going to be more sophisticated applications using AI. In finance it will help to do more accurate risk assessments and fraud detections. It will increase efficiency and reduce cost in manufacturing. In Education AI will provide more personalized learning experience and tailored content as per each student needs. AI will also address more global issues like climate change or healthcare disparities. AI driven solutions will help to predict and mitigate natural disasters and improve education and healthcare in remote regions.
Ethical Impact of AI
Conclusion