AI tech has been around for some time now. And while we are only starting to wield it correctly, the term is not foreign to us. In fact, the term AI or Artificial Intelligence was first coined in 1956 at a conference.
Although the common public then treated it as mere sci-fi, the tech has now become a real part of their very lives. AI has not only changed the way we live our lives but also influenced the years that are yet to come.
As such, this tech has integrated itself into almost every industry, big or small. Today, we are going to explore the various applications of this tech that were more or less stagnant for 30 years.
Table of contents
What is AI Technology?
AI or Artificial technology is simulating human intelligence with the help of machines and programming. The tech works by ingesting a large quantity of data and simulating responses based on preconceived data. It further perfects the response by analyzing the feedback, finding patterns and correlations, and then using the same patterns to make predictions.
AI covers a wider range of computer science as it is dependent on programming. Thus, it is used to make smart machines that can emulate human intelligence and behavior. The tech uses machine learning and deep learning to learn more about perfect responses.
Top AI Tech examples
Given below are a few examples of AI technology.
1. Natural language generation
Those familiar with computers know that machines process and communicate using a totally different language. Furthermore, it also lacks a human brain. As such, it is incapable of thinking. It only acts on the input provided.
Normally, a human can’t understand a machine language and vice versa. Even when we use a writing app and type in a native language, the machine processes it as data in its exclusive language.
But what natural language generation does is it removes the barrier between both languages. Thus, making machines access structured data in the native language of humans. The machine uses algorithms to automate content in a format suitable for the user.
Today, natural language generation allows the tech to check not only for grammatical errors but also generate unique content for social media and blogs.
2. Self-driving cars
Self-driving cars are no longer a fantasy as it is yet another application of AI. Now, there are cars that do not require drivers. While airplanes did have an autopilot feature for a while to help with navigation, AI driven cars do not even require a human to be in the driving seat.
The whole tech is based on the integration of external sensors with AI and programming. Although we do not use the tech actively to remove drivers from cars, we have been using it passively to reduce collisions, and improving the safety and breaking system of the vehicle.
The sensors map a live and exact surrounding for the AI to process and help the driver navigate through the traffic safely. In fact, Tesla, a renowned car manufacturer has successfully tested and sold self-driving cars that use AI actively to assist drivers.
3. Speech Recognition
Speech Recognition is a technology that converts and also transforms human speech into useful and comprehensive data that a computer application can handle. It can convert speech into data and then text or use speech recognition for applications such as unlocking a device, or as input. Speech is considered as input when AI is in place. Such transformation and transcription of human speech are utilized by AI for multiple applications.
4. Virtual agents
A virtual agent is a computer application that interacts with humans. It is mostly used in companies with customer care cells. Normally a customer care representative handles feedback and interacts with customers for queries and other complaints. But AI has allowed companies to wield human-like virtual agents that can not only talk but also react as humans to aid their customer feedback department.
Other applications of virtual agents are apps and programs that assist users, such as SIRI, Alexa, or Google Assistant, that can not only understand a human but also relay valid solutions. They can handle many things, such as making a call, playing a song, searching the internet, or scheduling a meeting. Furthermore, the repeated use of these virtual agents only makes them faster and smarter.
5. Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality
Another sci-fi-like addition to the list is Augmented or Virtual reality. We have read stories about VR games and often wondered if we would ever have something like this. Thankfully AI is making it a reality.
A very popular application of AR/VR is the viral smartphone game Pokémon Go which took the world by storm as players could interact with the real world while going on a fantasy journey. AR manipulates the surrounding reality of the user and makes it possible for them to interact with it using AI technology.
6. Decision Management
AI not only can understand humans, but it is also able to make decisions based on logic and data. Such AI-powered machines are used for training, maintenance, and tuning. As such, these devices can propel and execute automated decisions.
7. Machine Learning
Machine learning is correlated to AI. In fact, machine learning is at the core of AI tech advancement. As the name suggests, this tech allows machines to learn by themselves. Hence, over prolonged use, such machines are capable of improving automatically. Machine learning can access, classify, and predict data by using:
- Algorithms.
- Training Tools.
- Data applications.
- Application Programming Interface (API).
- Other machines.
8. Deep learning
Deep learning is also a component of AI that makes the technology tick. It works based on artificial neural networks. Thus, when applied, it enables a machine to act as a human based on algorithms and data. Here, the term deep is used to denote several hidden layers in the neural network. Such typical networks can have 2 to 150 hidden layers.
For deep learning to succeed, programmers need a huge quantity of data to act as a model. The data is then used to train a GPU. Then the algorithms work on automating the predictive analysis.
9. Chatbots
Chatbots are also a recent contribution of AI to many industries as it has varying applications. On another note, this technology has the most promising when it comes to human interaction as it is solely designed to simulate human communication based on the latest trend, using feed from the internet to make the bot more experienced over time. AI chatbots aim to make the conversation real and natural.
10. Image Recognition
Lastly, we have image recognition that works on the same principles as Speech recognition but uses visual stimulus instead of audial. Google is a popular example of such an application, as users can simply search the internet using an image.
Over the years many apps were developed that utilize this feature. The facial recognition we have in our smartphones also works on this technology. However, the most advanced usage of this tech can be found with law enforcement agencies who use AI-powered programs to cross-match an image against the internet or social media posts to find a person or item. Image recognition AI is also used in security systems, monitoring, and surveillance.