Artificial Intelligence (A.I.)

In the simplest terms, the artificial intelligence (AI) industry seeks to create machines that are capable of learning and intelligent thinking. It includes the development of computer-based systems that can learn from past behaviors and apply that knowledge to solving future problems. AI, which predates the computer age, draws from a variety of academic fields, including mathematics, computer science, linguistics, engineering, physiology, philosophy, and psychology. Although it did not truly emerge as a stand-alone field of study until the late 1940s, the foundation for AI was formed by logicians, philosophers, and mathematicians during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer software that exhibits intelligent behavior. The term “intelligence” is difficult to define and has been the subject of heated debate by philosophers, educators, and psychologists for generations. Nevertheless, it is possible to enumerate many important characteristics of intelligent behavior. Intelligence includes the capacity to learn, maintain a large storehouse of knowledge, utilize commonsense reasoning, apply analytical abilities, discern relationships between facts, communicate ideas to others and understand communications from others, and perceive and make sense of the world around us. Thus, artificial intelligence systems are computer programs that exhibit one or more of these behaviors.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the branch of computer science and engineering devoted to the creation of intelligent machines and the software to run them. This process is “artificial” because once it is programmed into the machine, it occurs without human intervention. AI is generally applied to the theory and practical application of a computer's ability to think as humans do. AI capability is designated as either strong AI or weak AI. Strong AI is a computer system that employs an active consciousness in its decision making. This is a machine that can reason, reach logical (and correct) conclusions, and solve problems independently. Critics of AI systems argue that such a machine is unrealistic, and even if it were possible, a true artificially intelligent machine is unwanted due to ethical concerns or the overt fear of “conscious machines” turning on their human creators.

Algorithms increasingly shape modern life, helping Wall Street to decide stock trades, Netflix to recommend movies and judges to dispense justice. But critics say algorithms — the seemingly inscrutable computational tools that help give artificial intelligence (AI) the ability to “think” and “learn” — can lead to skewed results and sometimes social harm. AI might help mortgage companies decide whom to lend to, but qualified borrowers can be rejected if the underlying algorithms are faulty. Companies might use AI to screen job applicants, but skilled talent can be turned away if the algorithms reflect racial or gender bias. Moreover, the use of algorithms is raising difficult questions about who — if anyone — is liable when AI results in injury. The technology is even stirring fears of an AI apocalypse in which computers become so powerful and autonomous that they threaten humankind. Some experts want the federal government to strictly regulate AI to ensure it is not misused, but critics fear more rules would stifle the technology.

As the use of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to rapidly grow and evolve, some philosophers envision that robots will be as smart and self-aware as humans in the next few decades. Others call that fantasy. While the United States leads the world in AI, new evaluations suggest that without a concerted government effort, it could easily lose the technological race to China. Some experts say that could spell dire consequences for the nation's economy and national security. To help keep the country on top, President Biden recently signed a law to spend billions over the next decade on semiconductor chip research and production. On the international front, the European Union (EU) is continuing to push for more regulations around AI, amid research that shows some inherent flaws in algorithms. Many human rights groups and some U.N. member states are calling for a ban on lethal autonomous weapons — armaments powered by AI that can operate without human involvement.

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the broad branch of computer science focused on creating systems capable of performing human tasks. AI systems can take the form of software (e.g., algorithms), hardware (e.g., robotic arms on an assembly line), or a combination of both (e.g., semi-autonomous vehicles). While the term "artificial intelligence" may bring to mind images of sentient humanoid robots like those of popular science fiction literature and film, most AI exists as computer systems composed of algorithms and large amounts of data entered by humans. Because they simulate human intelligence, AI systems depend upon human input to acquire skills, knowledge, and reasoning. AI has enabled the automation of many tasks, from grading exams and transcribing spoken words to vacuuming carpets and driving cars.