Artificial Intelligence – InDepth

In recent years, artificial intelligence has garnered greater and greater traction and attention not only by computer scientists and engineers alike, but also the general public. Artificial intelligence is, in essence, the development of technology–namely computers–to perform technological tasks by way of humanlike qualities, which encompass a whole spectrum. Prominent markers of human intelligence that artificial intelligence aims to mimic are speech recognition, visual perception, and various kinds of decision-making. To put such humanlike qualities into play through a robot, machine, or computer is a complex endeavor.

Artificial intelligence has been prevalent in many of the online interfaces the general public tends to use such as Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri, and automated cars that do not require humans to facilitate its movement. Information is generally obtained by technologies like the aforementioned due to the abundance of users that allow a wealth of information to accumulate and be processed. That information allows for artificial intelligence to continue doing particular delegated tasks solely from the extraction of data from prior tasks. One of the components of artificial intelligence that displays just that is machine learning (ML), where the algorithms within AI analyze the data they have access to, learn from it, and learn how to apply it to future tasks without the need to be explicitly programmed (Samuel). This is a part of the humanlike qualities AI possesses, the ability to perform tasks without explicit instructions. How these capabilities of artificial intelligence comes into play can come in the form of many real life applications.

With the AI many are familiar with such as virtual online assistants in the vein of Alexa and Siri, the benefits of AI are clear. They can aim to make life much simpler perhaps out of convenience, but AI also functions as a bridge for accessibility for those who may not be physically or mentally capable of doing certain activities. Such is the case with children who have disabilities regarding brain development and physical development. AI is present in the form of assistive robots that provide children with the ability to develop their cognitive abilities. In a number of play studies, researchers at the University of Alberta, Canada saw children ranging from six to seven-years-old with motor impairments due to cerebral palsy perform various tasks with the help of an industrial robotic arm (Adams).

Artificial intelligence has a number of benefits that extend beyond greater accessibility for those who may not have it. Life is arguably made easier due to AI, but there is reluctance moving forward into the future with AI out of ethical concerns. A large concern if whether or not AI, with its programmed humanlike qualities, will reach a point where human intervention and engagement is not necessary at all; where AI would have a mind on its own (Köse). Another concern is the extent to which AI should be able to access the information its users provide. Terms and conditions are oftentimes purposely vague in language, and users accepting these conditions may not truly understand what they are agreeing to. AI may potentially take advantage of this naivety, and thus, a growing number of concerns have risen in regards to this issue.

Despite all the possible worries and fears of artificial intelligence, the existence of AI is a wonder. It is a testament to the extent of technological innovation, and to see where AI will go in the future, even with all the worries, is an exciting endeavor.

Adams, K., Encarnação, P., Rios-Rincón, A. M., & Cook, A. M. (2018). Will artificial intelligence be a blessing or concern in assistive robots for play? Revista Brasileira de Crescimento e Desenvolvimento Humano, 28(2), 213–218. https://doi-org.ccny-proxy1.libr.ccny.cuny.edu/10.7322/jhgd.147242

Köse, U. (2018). Are We Safe Enough in the Future of Artificial Intelligence? A Discussion on Machine Ethics and Artificial Intelligence Safety. BRAIN: Broad Research in Artificial Intelligence & Neuroscience, 9(4), 184–197. Retrieved from http://ccny-proxy1.libr.ccny.cuny.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=133436011&site=ehost-live