If you remember the “Terminator” movies, “Wall-E,” and others that dealt with artificial intelligence (AI), then you know that the concept of AI is a part of society’s collective imagination. What you may not realize is that artificial intelligence is already here.
The AI that already exists is not the type that will one day rise up and take over the world (even though it may seem to you as if your computer, with all the advancements in technology, could very well do that). Rather, the artificial intelligence that’s already on the market is located in such things as “robot” vacuum cleaners, the GPS devices that are now installed in cars, cell phones, other electronic devices, and, of course, those cute little one-cup coffee makers. All of these products are examples of artificial intelligence. And, like anything that uses computer technology, these devices incorporate hardware and, in some cases, software.
The smaller items such as the robot vacuum cleaner and coffee maker will most likely have everything they need to function stored in their hardware. Other types of artificial intelligence, however, take advantage of software that you can download to your laptop computer or your cell phone. These include products such as timers that turn lights off and on or devices that adjust heating and cooling systems to run only at certain times, even when you’re not at home.
As technology continues to expand, so too will artificial intelligence and its application in products. However, robots rising up to conquer the world is a scenario that’s only going to occur on the silver screen. It is true that computers can make some decisions; however, as someone once said, “The best computer is the human brain.” And, this is still true.
So enjoy the comforts that artificial intelligence devices afford you, and don’t worry that you’re contributing to the world’s ultimate demise.