Artificial intelligence (AI) is the set of computer programs that mimic human cognitive functions like learning and problem-solving. AI technologies are used in a wide variety of applications and industries including healthcare, banking, and transportation. The field is advancing rapidly and experts predict that it will revolutionize how we work, live, and play.
The term “AI” has been around for decades, but its true potential is still unfolding. During this time, we’ve seen a number of significant milestones. IBM’s Deep Blue beat then world chess champion Garry Kasparov, and John McCarthy coined the term “artificial intelligence” at a Dartmouth College conference. The era of big data and cloud computing began, allowing organizations to manage ever-larger data estates that would eventually be used to train AI systems. IBM Watson swept the Jeopardy! champions, and data science became a popular discipline. Google’s DeepMind developed the AlphaGo program, which beat Lee Sodol in a Go match, and other AI algorithms have been improving their performance steadily over time.
The most common use of AI today is a form called machine learning. This is the backbone of many products and services we rely on every day. It’s behind voice assistant apps like Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s Siri, social media chatbots, streaming services, and self-driving cars. It enables companies to recommend new products based on your past purchases and predict what you might want to watch next on Netflix or TikTok. It’s also being used to review X-ray images, speed up medical diagnoses, and develop new treatments.