A Science Fiction Reality: A Review on Artificial Intelligence

AI is a popular term you’ve probably heard about or read about. When you think of artificial intelligence, you may think about robots or humanoid technology. While these may fall under the umbrella of AI, that’s not really all that’s to this extraordinary technology.

AI, also known as artificial intelligence, is technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human intelligence and problem-solving capabilities. They can perform tasks such as learning, reasoning, and problem solving. In short, AI allows computers to basically think and act like a person. The way AI works is through branches of computer science such as machine learning, cognitive thinking, and computer vision.

What is machine learning? Machine learning is a branch of AI and computer science that uses data algorithms and neural networks to find insights and patterns to increase their intelligence over time. According to UC Berkeley, the machine learning system is broken down into three parts: Decision Process, Error Function, and Model Optimization Process. In the Decision Process, machine learning algorithms produce estimates about patterns in data based on the input data in order to make predictions. In the Error Function, the prediction from the Decision Process is analyzed for accuracy. Finally, in the Model Optimization Process, the data is continuously evaluated and optimized by the algorithm until a threshold of accuracy is met. This enables systems to learn from the data and improve themselves over time without being explicitly programmed.

What is deep learning? Deep learning is a subset of machine learning. It involves neural networks with extensive amounts of layers in order to process a mass amount of data. Deep learning is modeled after the way the human brain works in order to allow machines to “think on their own.” Deep learning often requires a colossal amount of power in order to run and process the mass amount of data being fed into the machine.

What is cognitive thinking? Cognitive thinking involves the use of computerized models to simulate the human thought process. It aims to imitate and recreate how humans interact and behave in a computer model. It basically just makes it so the technology can respond and act more like a human.

What is computer vision? Computer vision uses deep learning and pattern recognition to understand pictures and videos. Computer vision allows AI to be able to interpret image content such as graphs, tables, PDFs, and videos. This means the machine can look around and take pictures or videos in real time, and interpret the surroundings.

Overall, these components contribute to the development of AI algorithms, which are modeled after the decision-making processes of the human brain. These components are able to ‘learn’ from available data and make increasingly more accurate classifications or predictions over time, making AI a completely mind-boggling piece of technology that has applications all over the world. I hope you learned something new! Keep a lookout for the next post!

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References

Brown, S. (2021 Apr. 21). Machine learning, explained. MIT Management Sloan School. Retrieved December 8, 2022, from https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/machine-learning-explained

Kanade, V. (2022 Mar. 14). What Is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Definition, Types, Goals, Challenges, and Trends in 2022. Spiceworks. Retrieved December 8, 2022, from https://www.spiceworks.com/tech/artificial-intelligence/articles/what-is-ai/

UC Berkeley. (2020 June 26). What Is Machine Learning (ML)?. Berkeley School of Information. Retrieved December 8, 2022, from https://ischoolonline.berkeley.edu/blog/what-is-machine-learning/