Defining artificial intelligence is a very difficult task cause we can’t really understand human intelligence. As with many concepts, artificial intelligence can be referred as the simulation of human intelligence in machines which are programmed to think and execute actions like human mind. Artificial Intelligence based computer or computer controlled robots complete the tasks with a certain degree of powers such as-learning, reasoning and self-correction. It is one of the most complex and astounding creations of humanity.
Scientists and filmmakers of 20th century introduced the world with the concept of artificial intelligence. Questions were rising among people after watching movies like Wizard of Oz or Metropolis that-“Can machine think?” In 1950’s Alan Turing, a young British mathematician and WW2 code breaker first proposed the idea of artificial intelligence in a logical framework of his 1950’s paper. His logic about AI(Artificial Intelligence) was if human brains use available informations and reasons to solve problems then why can’t machine do the same. But unfortunately, computers before 1949 lacked a key prerequisite for intelligence. Then In 1980s,the evolution of personal computer sparked more and it makes another step on the progress of AI technology. But still it took decades for the world to recognise the power of AI. High profile investors and physicists, like Elon Mask and Stephen Hawking continued the conversation about the potential of AI technology, which gradually started changing the course of human history. With the rise of this technology, computers start collecting data and analyse through crafted algorithms. Now the machine is better at making predictions.
AI can be classified in many ways. There are two types of AI based on capability. They are 1.Weak AI 2.Strong AI. The phenomenon that makes which are not too intelligent to do their own work can be built as weak AI. When it come to strong AI, those machines are capable of thinking and performing task on their own just like human being. On the basis of functionality, there are four types of AI. Such as- 1.Reactive Machines 2.Limited Memory 3.Theory of Mind 4.Self- awareness. Reactive machines doesn’t use past information for future actions. Limited memory is based on storing information for a particular time. Theory of mind is designed to understand people’s emotion, belief, thoughts, expectations and to be able to interact socially. This kind of bot need a lot of improvement and is not complete yet. Lastly, Self awareness goes for a kind of machine which is considered as a complete human being. Of course, this kind of bot doesn’t exist and if achieved then it will be a milestone in the field of AI.
When we hear about artificial intelligence, it’s obvious to assume it’s only something the big tech giants are focused on. But in reality, most of us encounter artificial intelligence from morning to night. Not sure what movie to watch tonight? Don’t worry, Netflix has some suggestions based on your previous viewing experiences. Not in a mood of typing an email, there’s nothing to worry about. Gmail offers “Smart Reply” option. You can choose your best reply with the click of a button. Artificial Intelligence makes it easier for users in every day life, both online and offline. AI technology has also been used to help with Google predictive searches, Google algorithm etc. For example, a search of “What is the population of Bangladesh” offers Google’s choice of “best answer” highlighted at the top, followed by a list of sources that answer the question. Amazon and other online retainers use AI to gather information about our preferences. When you search for an item such as-“Sony Headphones” the search engine also shows related items that other people have purchased when searching for the same product. AI offers a lot more social and financial aids such as-mobile banking, financial fraud prevention, finding quickest route to your destination by Google Maps. Travelling sites are also dominated by AI technology. There are a lot of ride sharing apps which help people like Uber. Actually, it’s comforting to know that most of us have been using AI on a daily basis for many years.
AI is using as substitute of human beings day by day. The phrase “human error” was born because humans make mistakes from time to time. Computers, however, do not make these mistakes if they are programmed properly. AI robots also take risks instead of human. Most of us heard about the Chernobyl nuclear power plant explosion in Ukraine. AI robots can be used to minimize the effect of radiation where intervention can be hazardous. AI technology also can make machines work 24×7 without any break and they don’t even get bored. We all have played chess games in Windows. It’s nearly impossible to beat CPU in the hard mode because of the AI behind the game. Machines are more logical and confirmed at making decisions with the blessing of AI technology.
Those are all the bright sides of AI. But when we look at the big picture, everything in excess is dangerous and so is the case with AI. As it’s always said, every coin has two sides. When Oxford University professor Nick Bostrom New York Times bestseller Super Intelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies was first published in 2014’s,it stuck a nerve at the heart of this debate with it’s focus on all the things that could go wrong.
If we focus on what’s possible today with AI, there are some potential negative impacts that should be considered. AI technology is highly expensive. There is a huge investment for its- installation, repair and maintenance with software upgrading cost. After all, if there’s any breakdown, the cost of procurement is very high. Also, AI based machines can’t cope up with the dynamic environment. With time, it can lead to wear and tear only. Though it can help in designing and creating, machines can’t match the power of human brain. Machines are logical but they can’t possess emotions and moral values. They don’t have own judgement making skills, they don’t know what’s ethical, what’s legal and what is not. They can’t think out of the box.
The riskiest among all is, if in the future, human brains don’t add to their skills, then in no time, we can see that they’ll be replaced with machines.
Some of the leading scientists and thinkers have warned about ‘Technological Singularity’. It refers to the belief that ordinary humans will someday be overtaken by artificial Intelligent machines or cognitively enhanced biological intelligence on both. Simply, AI being a little bit like children playing with a bomb that could go off at any time.
It’s obvious to admit that AI is a milestone of technology. Now it’s really hard to say that it’ll not go beyond human intelligence. And if scientists can finally gain that achievement, only time will tell us what it brings to our world.
