Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence or most commonly known as AI is a wide branch of computer science dealing with smart machines that can perform tasks humans would normally do. AI consists of many sub-fields such as, Neural Networks, Evolutionary Computation, Vision, Robotics, Expert Systems, Speech Processing, Planning, and Machine Learning. The goal of AI is to create systems to function intelligently and independently. Artificial intelligence includes programming computers for certain traits such as, Knowledge, Reasoning, Problem solving, Perception, Learning, Planning, and the ability to manipulate and move objects. There are 3 types of AI: narrow or weak AI, strong AI, and artificial superintelligence.

Weak (or narrow) AI is a type of AI that is only limited to a specific or narrow area. Weak AI simulates human cognition. It has the potential to benefit society by automating time-consuming tasks and by analyzing data in ways that humans sometimes can’t. Many machines these days use weak AI. Weak artificial intelligence focuses on one narrow task. Weak AI could cause disruptions in the electric grid, damage nuclear power plants, cause global economic problems, and misdirect autonomous vehicles. Weak AI lacks human consciousness and does not have general intelligence. Instead, they have specific intelligence. It helps turn big data into usable information by making predictions and detecting patterns, known as pattern recognition. Virtual Personal Assistants (VPA’s) like Siri and Alexa are examples of weak AI. They have no self-intelligence and only operate within a limited predefined range of functions and have no self-awareness. 

Strong AI is a form of machine intelligence equivalent to human intelligence. Strong AI does not currently exist and experts predict it may be developed by 2030 or 2045, the next century, or that the development of Strong AI may not be possible at all. Weak AI simulates human cognition, but Strong AI would actually have human cognition. If Strong AI exists, it comes with major potential benefits and serious concerns. Some people fear that if Strong AI becomes a reality, AI may become more intelligent than humans. Strong AI will be so intelligent that it can alter itself and pursue its own goals without the need for humans.

Artificial superintelligence (ASI) refers to the time when the capability of computers will surpass humans. ASI goes a step beyond AI, where machines will become self-aware/self vigilant enough to surpass the capacity of human intelligence and behavioral ability. We have not yet reached artificial superintelligence and scientists have not yet reached a point that is considered a full artificial intelligence, however theories show that ASI is coming soon. An American engineer, Gordon Moore predicted that the number of transistors on a silicon chip doubles every two years or so. This is known as Moore’s Law and has proven to be true to this day. However, now it is shown that AI’s computational power is outpacing the development of transistors and is accelerating at a higher rate, meaning ASI could come in the early 21st century.

AI is a branch of computer science that performs tasks the human mind would normally do. It comes in 3 types: Weak AI, Strong AI, and ASI (Artificial Superintelligence). Weak AI is only limited to a specific or narrow area. These machines are usually VPA’s like Siri who can only operate within a predefined range of functions. Strong is a form of machine intelligence equivalent to human intelligence. It can become so intelligent it can do its own things without the need for humans. ASI or Artificial Superintelligence goes a step beyond AI where computers can surpass humans and machines can become self-aware to exceed the capacity of human intelligence. Technology is advancing fast and AI startups have been seeing an exponential growth, multiplying in large amounts days after days. By the 21st century, technology could possibly take over the world.