Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence

Introduction

Artificial intelligence is concerned with the theory and actual development of computer systems that can carry out tasks that require human intelligence.  Machines that use artificial intelligence are therefore needed to think and learn. Some of the human functions that involve rational cognitive thinking which artificial intelligence seeks to achieve include but not limited to speech recognition and decision making. Although the1950s saw intensified effort geared towards developing machines with cognitive abilities, the idea began long ago with the likes of Vannevar Bush authoring seminal works that proposed for the development of intelligent machines. As much as the concept seemed deceptive and one that was not achievable, the current century can bear witness to how artificial intelligence is currently changing the routine life of humans with its intelligent applications that seek to make life easier. Using proper programming skills, computer scientists have worked to design a wide range of intelligent machines that serve a wide range of services from simple ones like wake-up alarms to more complex ones like those tailored to perform dangerous scientific experiments in laboratories. This paper is an assessment of the benefits of artificial intelligence, the limitations that come with artificially intelligent systems and also possible recommendations that would improve the efficacy of intelligent machines.

Benefits

Artificial intelligence provides a wide range of benefits to its users. In assessing the benefits of artificial intelligence, one must compare the efficiency of the machine with that of a human in handling a task. One of the benefits users stand to gain from artificial intelligence is 24-hour service from devices ( Schoen, 1988). Unlike human workers, computers do not require time for refreshment and do not get tired, bored, or distracted while working. As such, the machine can perform tasks that are physically-involving within a limited time, making it more reliable than a typical human worker.

Moreover, the day to day availability of machines such as smartphones which are increasingly becoming a necessity in the current generation because it provides utility services such as offering direction using applications like Google maps makes intelligent very reliable.  Intelligent machines can also be used to carry out tasks that may inconvenience the lives of humans, such as in war or science laboratories, especially in processes that involve handling dangerous chemicals. When working with intelligent machines, humans stand to benefit from a significant reduction in error because once appropriately tailored to perform tasks in a given sequence, the machine only executes its tasks to produce the desired result.  The high level of accuracy that comes with intelligent systems as experienced in the use of calculators and wake-up alarms is also one of the benefits of incorporating artificial intelligence in the routine life of an individual. All these benefits are beyond human ability.

Limitations of artificial intelligence

Despite providing a wide range of benefits, artificial intelligence also introduces risks in the use of modern software. One of the significant risks that come with integrating artificial intelligence in the routine life of individual users is related to cybersecurity.  In the contemporary world, cases of high-profile data breach leading to a loss of billions of dollars. Although it is not easy to estimate the cost of annual cyber losses, the international monetary fund hints that the global financial loses range from US$ 100- US$ 250 billion. Therefore, considering this amount, it is becoming clear that artificial intelligence has opened ways for high cybercrimes that have inconvenienced the security of big data which is closely related to the concept of artificial intelligence. Besides, it is very costly to design, develop and manufacture intelligent machines such as a robot.  A single artificial project may require considerable financial support as well as tie. It is also noteworthy that unlike humans, machines can only perform tasks specialized in programming. This means that an organization that intends to integrate machine intelligence in its operations may be required to purchase different machines to serve different functions in the organization making the whole process very costly (Schoen, 1988). Various interested parties have also raised ethical questions regarding the development of devices that have the cognitive ability.  Interested parties are questioning if it is ethical to develop and duplicate the natural gift of intelligence. Furthermore, the increasing number of companies and organizations who are resorting to a robotic workforce instead of a human workforce is contributing to the growing rate of unemployment in most countries. All these limitations are impacting the integration of intelligent machines in different fields of human existence.

Recommendations

Considering the limitations that have been unveiled by the introduction of artificial intelligence in business operations and other fields, and their subsequent effects they introduce in the system, experts have presented recommendations that would ensure organizations benefit more from artificial intelligence. For instance the recurrent cases of a data breach, there arises a need for companies and business organizations to develop comprehensive strategies that will serve to minimize the weaknesses that emerge from the interweaving of different actors involved in the provision of data that forms the basis for artificial intelligence (AI Now Institute, 2017).  It is also important to consider implementing policies that will create a serene environment for the development of artificial intelligence systems that are human-centric. This will spearhead for global governance in the industry and data protection.

Moreover, it is also recommended that core public domains such as those interested in health care, justice and education should ensure testing and validation of the various algorithmic systems they use in their decision-making process (AI Now Institute, 2017). For companies that base their decisions that on their algorithmic systems such as black box, they should ensure such systems are available for review and auditing by the public. This is expected to cut on the issues that arise from systems from third party vendors.

Besides, it is also essential for the artificial intelligence industry to consider hiring professionals from other disciplines (AI Now Institute, 2017). This is because the industry is increasing its dominance in almost all fields of human existence.  This recommendation will require the integrating of legal scholars, social and political scientists a sand other experts from different domains to contribute to the decision-making process in companies and organizations that have already integrate intelligent systems in their operations

In conclusion, artificial intelligence is concerned with developing machines that have the same cognitive aspects as those of humans. Although the idea became popular in the 1950s, it began earlier with scientists authoring materials with content related to artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence provides several benefits such as high accuracy, reliability, ability to survive hazardous conditions that may inconvenience the lives and health of humans and also full-time availability. However, the industry experiences some limitations such as data breaches, high cost of developing machines, increasing rate of unemployment and even ethical issues. Recommendations have been put in place to improve the efficiency of intelligent machines. Such proposals include but are not limited to implementing global policies that would promote human-centric artificial intelligence systems, hiring professionals from different disciplines and ensuring public entities use systems of the required standards.

References

AI Now Institute. (2017, October 18). The 10 Top Recommendations for the AI Field in 2017. Retrieved from Medium website: https://medium.com/@AINowInstitute/the-10-top-recommendations-for-the-ai-field-in-2017-b3253624a7

Schoen, S. (1988). The issues, benefits, and risks of implementing artificial intelligence. National Productivity Review, 7(3), 246–255. https://doi.org/10.1002/npr.4040070307