Technology is omnipresent in our current lives and its importance is bound to grow as the years pass. One of the most innovative fields of study within computer science is artificial intelligence (AI). This sector focuses on the creation of intelligent machines that work and react like humans.
Speech recognition, machine learning and problem solving are some of the activities performed by these intelligent computers. As the popularity of AI increases, so does its application in various industries. Below are some of the ways in which this technology will revolutionise our lives.
Health will no longer be a problem
Machine learning refers to a computer that can learn by itself. As Pedro Domingos, author of ‘The Master Algorithm’ says, “Machines can attend to vastly more information and more complex processes than human beings”. Given a certain database, an AI system can analyse it to find the solution, and this includes the cure to cancer.
Various companies are already making use of machine learning to observe and identify human behaviour. Smartphones, for instance, already include several health sensors. In the future, this technology might be improved to predict when a person is going to have a heart attack. Following this diagnosis, the phone will call the emergencies and may also save the person’s life. Sensors might be included in people’s bodies to cure them from illnesses before they even realise they are sick.
Wars will involve less human loss
As Chinese philosopher Laozi stated, “The best soldier fights without vengeance, without anger and without hate.” Robots fighting in the stead of humans on the battlefield will result in a decrease in the loss of lives. Even if it is smart, artificial intelligence will still be artificial. Computers do not get angry, sad, scared or murderous. As machines do not feel emotions, they are less likely to suffer from traumas and to act on impulse. Decision-making with regards to fights may therefore become more strategic and less chaotic.
The job market will change drastically
Robots are already responsible for a staggering number of job losses incurred over the past decades. With the rise of artificial intelligence, this number is sure to climb even higher. 47% of global jobs could be taken by AI in the years to come, according to an Oxford University study. Indeed, the creation of intelligent machines that can think for themselves will negate the need for much human interference. Surgeons will be replaced by computers who will not make mistakes and soldiers by robots who will not die.
However, not all jobs are at risk. For instance, mental routine work is a lot easier to automate than common sense. This includes street sweepers and people who do work which requires contact with the physical world. Jobs that function via creative and critical thinking will also be more in demand.
Despite having both its good and bad points, artificial intelligence will no doubt affect human life in the future. Understanding how it works is therefore crucial for progress within the field of machine learning.
