Artificial Intelligence is all about ‘intelligent machines’, devices which act in a manner which helps to complete the desired action, an action which would normally be associated with a human mind. These include cognitive functions like learning and problem solving.
List of these capabilities can change with changes and advancements in technology. ‘Optical Character Recognition’, included in the list of AI is no longer a technology requiring intelligence, rather it is routine technology now.
The basic premise and goal of development of artificial intelligence has been that technology enables computers and machines to work intelligently. Machines simulating human intelligence and giving the desired results are popularly clustered as using artificial intelligence. There have been many scientific and ethical questions about AI, one being can IoT (Internet Of Things) work without AI.
Is it ethical to develop intelligence which possibly has the potential to overtake human intelligence? Does it have the potential to go out of control? Can the advantageous functionalities of AI have negatives? Can it cause destruction?
The answers are not restricted to one argument. Yes, a positive AI has the potential to be negative, if not processed properly. For example, a self-driven car will run at the speed at which it is programmed, which in some situations might not be conducive to the user and might cause more harm.
If we do not remain the smartest and artificial intelligence takes over humans, will we be able to control our planet and our own existence? Autonomous weapons can cause more harm than good if they fall into wrong hands. Plenty of food for thought that…
Nevertheless, it is beneficial …
An example of its benefits. Artificial intelligence is also helping in medical diagnosis. Microsoft is working on developing artificial intelligence designed to help doctors treat high risk diseases such as cancers of the skin, myeloid leukemia etc. It will help by working out the best treatments for specific patients and drugs combinations and vaccines to treat.
This is a technology in progress, riddled with a lot of question on the ethics and risks attached to it. A great deal of prudence is required in the usage. Very strong governance is and will be required to monitor the research, development and use of artificial intelligence.
