We are living in an age where only one thing is certain – Uncertainty.

There was a time when the first storage device introduced to us in school was a 3.5-inch floppy disc having 1.44 MB memory and the only thing stored on it was a word file. The games we played on the computer was Galaxy or Pacman. There were only landline phones and Skype was word or service yet to be invented. Games were either outdoor or indoor but never on a machine. Well, the time has changed leaps and bounds.

Now, if we look at today’s gadgets and systems, they are super fast, have tonnes of memory, excellent graphics and pictures. Now each member of the family has a mobile, in place of a single landline for one home. Video calling now means of informal communication every day, rather than a business video conference. Music, video, computing is in hands of every individual irrespective of his social strata. Hardware, software everything is super advanced.

Technology is galloping like a horse and things are changing so fast that even before you get used to a particular technology, it gets outdated with an update. No doubt technology is changing the World but at the same time raising questions in mind of few who really think of outcomes. I am talking about the technology which is not new and has already invaded our daily lives but a further improvement to this technology may prove to be a boon or bane for us, it’s a matter of debate.

I am talking about AI (Artificial Intelligence), and what was unthinkable at one time is a reality now, so what seems impossible today is very much possible in near future. To underestimate AI, will mean living in fool’s paradise.

The best example to quote will be Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Hollywood movie ‘The Terminator’ by James Cameron. I think most of us know of this movie and the ‘Skynet’ an AI program which took over the machines and Judgement day happened. Although ‘Skynet’ is fictional till now, but real life AI like ‘Watson’ is already here. Watson is being used in the medical field for the treatment of lung cancer.

All credit goes to the “Law of Accelerating Returns”,

“Fundamental measures of information technology follow predictable and exponential trajectories.” – Ray Kurzweil, Law of Accelerating Returns

The Law of Accelerating Returns means that the more advanced the technology is, the faster it will grow. “Exponential” means becoming more and more rapid. So the meaning is simple, AI is the most advanced technology available to humans and it is the most rapidly growing thing now and will be in the future.

AI is growing at a compound rate of 60% since 2010 and China is leading the race followed by USA, Japan, European Union, Germany, and France. The equation may change anytime. China has already set up a complete roadmap for AI implementation till 2030 in three phases and phase I is currently in implementation.

Although many of us are still living in stone age and wonder at the technological advances. So let’s understand what AI is.

What Is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Intelligence, is a computer program with capabilities to perform tasks that require human intelligence. Alternatively, it can be defined as human intelligence artificially induced into machines to perform mechanical tasks just like a human.

Artificial Intelligence is man-made. Although not natural like humans and other animals intelligence, yet it can execute human-like actions and most of the times, surpassing us in a specific field.

What contributes to AI?

Computer Science AI is a branch of computer science related to creating systems that behave like humans.

But when one analyzes AI it can be easily inferred that Computer Science is not the only discipline contributing to AI.

Following disciplines contribute equally to AI.

Mathematics – Math also plays a big role in AI. Creating AI relies a lot on mathematical theories.

Physics – A lot number of theories in physics contributes well in AI.

Neural Science – Speaking of replicating human intelligence, what better way to do it than to model it based on how our brain transmits signals.

Sociology – How AI will affect human society.

Psychology – AI is all about trying to replicating human intelligence and behaviour.

Philosophy – Studying the general nature of both knowledge, wisdom, and values is an important factor in unlocking more advance, safe Artificial Intelligence.

As quoted by Vladimir Putin “Whoever leads in AI will rule the world”

All big countries, organizations are investing Billions of $ in AI right now. As already told above, as of now, China is leading the pack.

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Why AI?

If we analyze the very reason why was the computer invented, then answer to why AI is being chased can be found. The computer is able to process information much faster and accurately than humans did. Now as computer technology is progressing so is its uses in every sphere of work. The complex calculation is performed in the blink of an eye.

The computer can store a plethora of data and also recall them at the click of a button accurately as compared to human memory.

Still, there is a limitation to a computer system, it gives output based on the input provided and nothing else. It cannot analyze an instruction whether it is right or wrong. If I feed the wrong equation into the computer it will process the same and give an output based on that equation. This is where AI can fill the gap and remove this limitation. This will be possible through a function in AI called Machine Learning. AI can be taught to recognize right or wrong data fed to it, this, in turn, will remove any error and will lead to more accurate and productive information. More task will be accomplished in less time.

AI will not be limited to data processing or completion of complex tasks but it can evolve much more and do more, the possibilities are unlimited. We can only guess as of now based on the available technology and our limited imagination. Organizations are using AI for better products and services and research institutions can use it for discoveries using simulation, permutation, and combination. As already said, possibilities are unlimited.

In my next post, I will be sharing the levels of AI and the threat it poses if not contained. AI can be either heaven or hell for humanity, it is just a matter of time.