By Peggy Boldissar
What is AI? Merrian-Webster (n.d.) defines AI as: 1 : a branch of computer science dealing with the simulation of intelligent behavior in computers 2 : the capability of a machine to imitate intelligent human behavior MTI College (2018) describes what AI technologies do. AI allows machines (bots) to learn from experience, interpret information, make adjustments and apply what they “know” to perform humanlike tasks. ● Machine learning gives computers the ability to recognize and apply patterns to develop algorithms that they can then fine-tune based on feedback; an example is the way Netflix can offer you suggestions of what to watch based on your viewing history. ● Through deep learning, computers develop the ability to identify relationships and associations. ● When machines “understand” information, they can actually “think” of the implications of that data and analyze it with machine reasoning. ● Computers use natural language processing based on their understanding of human speech. ● They “recognize” people, activities and 4
objects, and “view” images with computer vision; an example is the way the iPhone X recognizes the face of its user. Johnston (2018) writes that: AI has matured from technology buried in computer science labs using complex coding techniques to more common algorithms and supporting technologies used as part of the design strategy of new generation products. Many of the developers have known of AI techniques for years but did not have a practical way to apply the algorithms because the compute overhead was too high, the sample of data was too small and the number of techniques that needed to be applied made the code too complex. With centralized computing in SaaS applications and cloud data centers, AI has become much more practical and accurate. Johnston further describes how AI approaches work. They use: ● Cybernetics and brain stimulation – connection to neurology . ● Traditional symbolic AI – John Haugeland named these approaches to AI “good old fashioned AI” or “GOFAI” exploring the possibility that human intelligence could be reduced to symbol manipulation. ● Cognitive simulation – Economist Herbert Winter 2018 | The Cooperative Accountant
