How AI is changing our lives?
Artificial intelligence is likely to be either the best or worst thing to happen to humanity — Stephen Hawking.
The quote by Stephen Hawking reminds us that AI could be good or bad but it is an inseparable part of human lives.
By the way, what is AI?
In simple terms, Artificial Intelligence(AI) is a field of science that is primarily concerned with getting computers to do tasks that would normally require human intelligence. AI can be leveraged for tasks as simple as automating a repeated task to as complicated as replacing a human being. The level of intelligence a machine is equipped with makes all the difference. With the technical advancements in the space of Machine Learning and AI, machines will soon compete with the human race.
Our life and AI
AI is no longer a fantasy or a futuristic phenomenon. It is ubiquitous, already blended into our lives, knowingly or unknowingly, making life better in some way or another.
Did we allow AI to enter into our lives? — Not really. However, we subconsciously experiencing the benefits of the innovations in this space.
Have you ever wondered,
- How Alexa or Siri can listen and talk back almost like a human?
- How are our portraits and selfies becoming elegant and beautiful day by day? Is that us who turned beautiful or our cameras making us look good?
- How Amazon is able to suggest the exact product that we had in mind?
- How are Ola or Uber drivers waiting near you when you needed them the most?
- How are you able to try out so many eyeglass frames online? and pick the one that suits you better.
These are typical examples of AI being part of our lives already. In every aspect of life, in which we experience improved convenience and comfort, AI is playing a part. Some are noticeable, some are not. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are transforming so many industries, services, technology and the business landscape. It fuels disruption. Kills traditional businesses. Opens up a wide variety of new business opportunities.
Some of the use cases do not involve end-customers directly but every one of us is touched by it at some point. Here are a few highlights on AI’s role in some of the industries,
- Healthcare — Discovery of new drugs, Identifying cancer at an early stage, precision diagnostics etc.
- Automotive — Autonomous driving, driverless cars, fully robotic assembly line etc.
- Manufacturing — Preventive maintenance, productive automation.
- Retail — Augmented reality to experience products, advertising.
- Marketing — Precision marketing, Personalized advertising
Remember that scene from the 2002 sci-fi movie “Minority Report,” when a camera takes a retina scan of Tom Cruise’s character and a billboard calls out to him, “John Anderton! You could use a Guinness right about now”? This could have been a dream that Speilberg had when he was writing the movie, but almost two decades later, this is certainly possible by AI.
So, how it all started?
If humans use available information, as well as reason, to solve problems to make decisions — then why can’t it be done with the help of machines? — Alan Turing
Around the 1940s and 50s, scientists started believing that machines can be taught. A group of scientists began discussing the possibility of creating an artificial brain, not with blood and flesh, but with wires and boards. Since then this field has evolved constantly and secured a place in shaping the modern era. Here are events that unfold the evolution of AI,
Over time, AI has grown sophisticated from ad-hoc inventions to winning games against humans to becoming an integral part of human life. Businesses are leveraging it in all aspects to improve productivity and customer experience.
Will AI become a threat?
Any evolution or invention would have both positive and negative sides to it. That depends on how the human race is intended to leverage the invention. The story is not different for AI. Already there are enough examples around us on how NOT to use AI.
AI is a fundamental risk to the existence of human civilisation — Elon Musk, CEO Tesla and SpaceX
Most of us have seen videos impersonating world leaders using Deep Fake technology. Here is an example of a fabricated speech of Barack Obama. It’s very hard for government agencies to curb the spreading of such misinformation. These might create chaos. The authenticity of every information around us would become questionable.
AI increases the speed of what can be accomplished beyond human capability. So, any attempt to hack or disrupt systems would be much quicker. What will happen if a terrorist outfit hacks the government’s system and access sensitive information.
Though technology has evolved to differentiate fakes from the true ones, not everyone has access to such information. Tools and technologies required to safeguard us from AI advancements are not given enough attention.
It would be unlikely that AI robots would kill all of us one fine day. Rather the threat is multi-folded,
- Job cuts due to automation
- Fake news, Lack of online security
- Socioeconomic inequality due to imbalanced job loss
- Automatic weapon manufacturing etc.
Mitigating the risks of AI requires regulation and governance. Leaders in the technology space are already started discussing establishing ethics and governance practices in the field of AI. Government bodies, Private organization should monitor the developments in AI and make sure it’s not falling into the wrong hands. Invest in products and technologies that will restrict the unlawful application of AI. Establish standards for the ethical development of solutions.
