The
Revolution of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence is a specific area of computer science that deals with understanding and implementing computer based technology than can stimulate characteristics of human intelligence. The characteristics of human intelligence, by most definitions include: learning, adapting, reasoning, self-corrections, and automatic improvement. (AIEvolution)
Maybe our own DNA is simply a digital code similar to computer programming languages. If this is the case is evolution of computers out of the question?
We must first define what Artificial Intelligence. The term was coined in the mid 1950’s as the “sub-field of computer science concerned with the concepts and methods of symbolic inference by computer” (Kreger, 128). The first project of A.I. is traced back to 1955 when Carnegie Mellon University researchers developed a computer program to work through proofs resulting in theorems. Decades later artificial intelligence is still only a small progression from its birth. Perhaps in the surge of A.I. optimism was at its best and actual humanity was oversimplified and underestimated.
Today, the future of artificial intelligence is ambiguous. Many scientists and researchers are digging and investigating the potential opportunities of A.I. in actual robots. Corporations including International Business Machines (IBM) and Microsoft have already implemented many so-called “thinking” machines that assist employees and customers with everyday activities. A.I. with the combination of advances in robotics has created new age laser systems, ultrasound, MRI scanning equipment, etc. It has also been used in cooperation with NASA and their recent voyages to Mars beginning in 1997 (Stone & Broch, 32-33).
The possibilities of artificial intelligence are endless. In all these previous examples, the position of A.I. is, for the time being, geared towards creating a safer more comprehend world.
Now artificial intelligence has taken a more human-like approach. The research is now focused and building more human-like robots. If A.I. machines can be capable of doing tasks previous performed by human beings, our role of humans will ultimately chance. Robots and “smart” machines have already replaced many jobs and workers. Pilots, doctors, manufacturers, etc., are just some to new a few. With technology advancing at an exponential rate, there are also many concerning questions.
Scientists and many researches have given much attention to the theory of machines actually acting exactly like humans and have consciousness. Will these visions of actual human-like machines ever become a reality? Will humans have to worry about their futures if A.I. takes over? Or is it even possible for a machine to have emotions?
People still remain skeptical about artificial intelligence, but with all the new breakthroughs and the use of modern technology, there is no question that AI is progressing extremely rapidly. With the use of new "thinking" robots in agriculture, industry, NASA, and the military, the advance of AI is astonishing. Who knows, soon "thinking" bots may be so common we will not even think of the struggles and hard work that it took to get to that point. Farmers may not have to drive plows, robots may pilot choppers in the Army, and doctors will be following a robot's advice. We might even have robots taking over our daily chores around the house. Just think, no more "Clean up your room!" from your parents. It will be more like, "Get your robot to clean the house!". Sounds good to me! Only the future will tell us where this incredible and exciting revolution will lead us.
This project was produced for PSY 380, Social Psychology of Cyberspace, Spring 2000, at Miami University. All graphics in these pages are used with permission or under fair use guidelines, are in the public domain, or were created by the authors. Last revised: Monday, April 15, 2002 at 22:03:32. This document has been accessed 3,908 times since 1 May 2000. Comments & Questions to R. Sherman