What is Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial intelligence (AI) has different definitions; according to some scholars, it is a technology that allows computers and machines to function intelligently. Some other scholars view it as the machine that replaces human labor to work for men with speed and time efficiency. According to computer scientists “AI is the ability to correctly interpret external data, to learn from such data, and to use those learnings to achieve specific goals and tasks through flexible adaptation.’’
From various definitions, the simple understanding of AI is that it is linked with machines and computers to help humankind solve problems and assist in working processes. In short, it is an intelligence designed by man and demonstrated by machines.
Along with the rapid development of the cyber world in recent years, AI is present almost in all our lives and some of that may no longer be regarded as AI because humans are using it abundantly in their daily life. Such as internet browsers and language translation software.
Different Types of AI
From the functions and task performance by AI, one can differentiate two types. The first is less strong AI, also known as weak AI that is designed to perform a narrow task, such as facial recognition or Internet language translation, web browsing, or self-driving car. Currently, existing systems that claim to use “AI” are likely operating as a weak AI focusing on a narrowly defined specific function. Although this weak AI seems to be helpful to human living, there are still some who think weak AI could be dangerous in various ways because it can damage the electric supply if used on a bigger level.
The new development of the long-term goal of many researchers is to create less harmful AI or artificial general intelligence (AGI) which is the advanced capabilities of intelligence of a machine that has the capacity to understand or learn any intelligent task like a human that can help human to solve the problems. While narrow AI may defeat humans such as playing chess or solving equations, but its effect is still weak. AGI, however, could defeat humans at nearly every cognitive task.
Strong AI is another level of AI that can be programmed to actually become a human mind, to be intelligent in whatever it is commanded to attempt, even to have a perception, beliefs, and other cognitive capacities that are normally only performed by humans.
Various Functions of AI
- Automation: What makes AI perform the task automatically.
- Machine learning and vision: AI and the system that learns automatically and makes decisions on their own. Such as Chess games and language translation.
- Robotics: A field of engineering focusing on the design and manufacturing of the machine man. They are used to perform difficult tasks that could be dangerous for humans to perform. Such as bomb disposal robotic squads that can be used to defuse bombs.
- Self-driving car: It is a system that uses image recognition technology with sensors that protect cars from accidents.
Is AI really needed in human society?
It depends on humans. If human opts for a faster and effective way to complete their task and to work without taking a break, yes, it is. However, if humankind is satisfied with its way of living without any desire to defeat the order of nature, then AI is not important in human society. History tells us that human is always looking for something faster, easier, cheaper technologies that can finish their task easily. Therefore, the pressure for achievements compels a man to discover new technologies that perform his tasks smoothly. As the homo-sapiens discovered that tools can reduce the working hours of man and complete the tasks smoothly. Therefore, the invention to create new things becomes the habit of inventing new things. Currently, we are living more fruitful and more comfortable lives just because of the invention of new technologies. Human society are using various technologies since the beginning of civilization and made life easier. The humankind living in the 21st did not work as hard as their forefather do just because of their willpower for a new invention. It is all going well until Aldous Huxley warned in his book Brave New World that humans might step into a world in which we are creating a monster or a superhuman with the development of genetic technology.
Besides this, AI is helping humans in the healthcare sector. Humans are treating various diagnose with the help of AI robotic health care systems. In this system, treatment becomes easier and human is able to save the lives of its counterpart. A recent study by surgeons at the Children's National Medical Center in Washington successfully demonstrated surgery with an autonomous robot. The team supervised the robot to perform soft-tissue surgery, stitch together a pig's bowel, and the robot finished the job better than a human surgeon, the team claimed. It is stated that robotic surgeries can overcome the longer procedure of surgery duration and drop the chances of mistakes during the surgery.
Above all, we see the high-profile examples of AI including autonomous vehicles (such as drones and self-driving cars), medical diagnosis, creating art, playing games (such as Chess or Go), search engines (such as Google search), online assistants (such as Siri), image recognition in photographs, spam filtering, predicting flight delays…etc. All these have made human life much easier and that we are so used to them and take them as a blessing. AI has become crucial, although it is not absolutely needed without it our world will be in turmoil in many ways today.