Many people have heard the term artificial intelligence. While this term is commonly used, many people are still unsure of exactly what this term means.
What is Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial intelligence, often referred to as AI, was first used in the 1950s by two men, Minsky and McCarthy.
They described this term as a task being performed by a program or any type of machine that if a human were to perform the same task, the human would need to apply some level of intelligence in order to complete the task.
While this definition is broad, it does cover the basics of this form of intelligence.
Some people say that basic pulley machines can be considered artificial intelligence, while others say that only advanced technology can count as artificial intelligence.
Many modern experts state that for something to be considered artificial intelligence, it must meet one of the following criteria: It must be comparable to human intelligence.
The device has to show some planning, perception, motion, manipulation, and, to a lesser extent, creativity compared to human intelligence.
Today, many forms of artificial intelligence, including machines and robots, can process data and increase the speed and accuracy of a task.
In some cases, artificial intelligence can identify the problem faster than a human can, and many find this form of intelligence more useful than humans.
What is It Used for?
Artificial intelligence has many uses, which vary depending on the type of intelligence. It is used to make a task easier.
It can be used to help a person in their daily life. This form of intelligence can also be used to help people in their place of work.
Different Classifications of Artificial Intelligence
There are two main classifications of artificial intelligence: weak and strong AI.
This can be further divided into AI, which can be used to complete a specific task. Some forms of AI are also designed to be personal assistants, such as Siri or Alexa.
Strong AI is considered to be artificial general intelligence. This technology can be compared with the average human cognitive functioning.
When this AI device is given an unknown task, it uses as much intelligence as the average human to find a solution.
One way to determine if an AI is strong is to use the Turing Test, which Alan Turing developed in the 1950s.
This method was developed to determine if a computer can think in the same manner as a human. Many still think this method is rather controversial.
There is another way to classify artificial intelligence. Arend Hintze, who works in the integrative biology and computer science and engineering departments at Michigan State University, further classified artificial intelligence into four different types.
- Type 1 is the Reactive Machine. An example of this type of intelligence is a computer program developed by IBM that beat a world-class chess player. This computer was able to identify the different pieces on the board and make predictions. However, the computer cannot remember information or use past experiences to help with future issues.
- Type 2 of this intelligence is known as Limited Memory. This system can use experiences from the past to help with future decisions. Some cars are being designed with this technology. They will use this information and current observations to make informed decisions.
- Type 3 of Artificial Intelligence uses more psychology and is the Theory of Mind. This type of intelligence is said to have its belief system, desires, and intentions to help it make decisions. While this type of intelligence does not exist, many people do not think it is too far off in the future.
- Type 4 artificial intelligence is said to have self-awareness. This intelligence will have a sense of self and its own personality. Machines and devices that are self-aware will be able to express their feelings to others.
While this type of technology currently does not exist, some are trying to develop it. Others find it a little too advanced.
Elements of Learning
There are different elements when it comes to machine learning and programming machines to be able to learn.
Supervised Learning is common for most forms of AI. This learning gives the machine data and allows it to program itself to use this information to relate it to other data.
The system needs to be trained. Once trained, it can take in new information and apply it to labels and related information.
Humans must facilitate the training since the machine will be given a great deal of information to take in and process.
Unsupervised Learning
This system teaches the machine new ways. It is programmed to group items together based on any similar features they may have.
The machine is designed to look for specific data or traits. For example, Google groups its new stories by related content each day.
Reinforced Learning
Computers are rewarded based on their performance. This process involves trial and error until the machine finds the best possible outcome with its given information.
For example, the Google DeepMind network uses human performance to develop the best video game and the game that a person would find the most interesting based on their playing habits.
Artificial intelligence has existed for a long time, and there are different levels and degrees of it.
This technology is designed to make life easier for people, and it will allow them to complete tasks that will make daily activities easier.
Don’t forget to check out our other posts on MR, ML, AR, and VR.
