Artificial intelligence is the simulation of human smart processes by machines, specifically computer systems. These processes include learning, reasoning and self-correction. Most learning institutions offer a course or more under this umbrella term that encompasses everything from robotic process automation to actual robotics. Due to the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, which makes it possible for machines to learn from experience, adjust to new inputs and perform human-like tasks, there is a greater need for people to study in this field.
The learning of machines from experience provides systems with the ability to automatically learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed. This describes systems that make predictions using a model trained on real-world data. An example of such a system is Google Maps, which predicts the volume of traffic along a specific route, estimates travel time and time of arrival. It achieves this by analysing data collected from historical traffic patterns and comparing it to live traffic conditions.
The point of these processes is to go from data to insight – from raw, unprocessed captured facts, according to certain standards, to analysed information with which to understand the context of a situation to reach a specific conclusion. These training dataset include inputs and correct outputs, which allow the models to continue learning over the course of time. Ultimately, this optimises models for accuracy, improves model performance and saves retraining time by making models auto-adaptive. This is referred to as ‘smart technology’. In most cases, smart technology will not be sold as an individual application, rather, products already in use will be improved with smart capabilities.
These capabilities include human-like capabilities, where machines have the potential to replace humans, such as with travel agents. Before the Internet, many people worked as travel agents to help find, arrange and book the best deal for travelling. Today, with the Internet and computers, travellers can do this themselves without needing a travel agent. Additionally, robots controlled by computers are replacing jobs that involve packing or moving goods. An example is the Amazon robots that have taken over the process of moving all products to people who then package and mail them to customers. These are just some of the examples of how machines are replacing human jobs.
Although the thought of this is unsettling, there are many benefits for humans from artificial intelligence which are enjoyed every day from almost every sector without recognition. For example, in the banking sector, it can identify transactions that are likely to be fraudulent, adopt fast and accurate credit scoring, as well as automate manually intense data management tasks. In the healthcare sector, artificial intelligence is virtually improving every aspect of the industry, from robot-assisted surgeries to safeguarding private records against cybercriminals. With the advancement of technology, there are threats and there are benefits. Studying a course in the field of artificial intelligence will broaden horizons and make a career possible in several different directions which can have a real impact on human lives through various industries.
