What is artificial intelligence and how does it actually work?

Artificial intelligence: crafting minds that mirror ours

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the ability of machines to execute informational tasks typically associated with human cognition. John McCarthy, a Stanford University honorary Professor, defines it as "the science and engineering of making intelligent machines", implying its potential to replicate human behaviour.

Moreover, data scientist and writer Kurt Cagle describes AI as "the results of our attempting to understand and emulate the way that the brain works and the application of this to giving brain-like functions to otherwise autonomous systems (e.g., drones, robots, and agents)."

AI can be defined as a broad domain of computer science dedicated to developing intelligent systems that perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence. This encompasses advanced cognitive functions such as reasoning, decision-making, and problem-solving.

Given the increasing significance of AI in technology, nations worldwide are ramping up their efforts to excel in this field. The UAE, notably, has taken a leading role by launching the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence. This strategic vision aligns with the broader objective of establishing the UAE as the world's best country by 2071 under the UAE Centennial 2071 initiative.

The integration of AI is envisioned to expedite the execution of developmental projects, enhance governmental performance, support private sector initiatives, increase productivity, and fulfil various other objectives. The UAE aspires to become a global leader in AI investments across key sectors.

Inside AI: can machines take the reins of decision-making? 

The operational framework of AI revolves around emulating human behaviour to solve complex challenges faced by machines during task execution by adopting strategies similar to human thinking, such as language interpretation and gameplay. These machines process extensive data, leveraging their stored knowledge and acquired insights to inform decision-making. This entails executing numerous tasks rapidly and within a short timeframe.

Human supervision is integral in guiding AI by reinforcing correct decisions and mitigating incorrect ones. However, some AI systems are designed to learn independently, improving through repetitive tasks such as playing a video game until they understand the rules and excel.

To grasp the fundamental concept of AI—performing specific tasks in a manner similar to the human mind—different tools like machine learning and deep learning are essential.

Machine learning: improving performance by iterative learning 

Machine learning is an approach where computers are fed data, employing specialised probability techniques to iteratively improve their performance on specific tasks over time, without requiring explicit programming for each task. This algorithm utilises stored input data to make predictions about new outputs.

Human supervision in machine learning depends on the nature of the input data. In Supervised Machine Learning, data is labelled or categorised— for example, tagging an image of a cat as "cat"—which enables the algorithm to predict or identify similar outputs. Conversely, Unsupervised Machine Learning uses unlabeled data, like images of both dogs and cats without any categorization. Here, the machine must search for patterns and draw conclusions based on the input data.

Netflix is an example of applications using AI; its machine learning algorithm suggests recommendations to watch based on users' viewing history.

Deep learning: improving by self-learning

Deep Learning is a subset of machine learning techniques that enable AI systems to advance and improve their capabilities through data processing. By leveraging artificial neural networks akin to the human brain’s structure, Deep Learning algorithms process data, identify correlations, and progressively enhance their performance.

The most prominent example of Deep Learning's effectiveness is Google Translate, a tool proficient in translating texts across numerous languages, each with its unique grammar and syntax. Google Translate excels due to its adeptness in swiftly processing data and discerning complex linguistic connections.

Vasant Honavar, a distinguished professor and director of the Artificial Intelligence Research Laboratory at Penn State University, explains: "There are two key pieces to AI models. One of them is the engineering part – that is, building a computer program and computer systems that utilise intelligence in some way. The other is the science of intelligence, or rather, how to enable a machine to come up with a result comparable to what a human brain would come up with, even if the machine achieves it through a very different process."

Everyday applications of AI 

AI has become integral, impacting various sectors and industries. Notable examples include:

Utilising robotic doctors

AI is increasingly utilised across various healthcare domains, including prescribing treatments, determining medication dosages, and employing robotic doctors for surgical procedures. To foster innovation and research in AI and robotics, particularly in healthcare, the UAE has established the UAE AI & Robotics Award for Good. This initiative supports the advancement of cutting-edge solutions designed to improve human well-being

Replacing manual driving with smart cars

The development of self-driving cars is progressing rapidly. These vehicles collect external data to operate efficiently, ensuring protection from collisions or accidents. This technological advancement allows for travel without the need for manual driving, freeing up time for leisure activities during commutes, such as the drive to work.

Generating income effortlessly

In recent years, highly efficient trading platforms have been designed primarily relying on artificial intelligence to enhance stock portfolios. These platforms enable users to execute millions of trades daily without human intervention, potentially resulting in substantial financial gains.

Providing round-the-clock customer service

AI-powered communication bots on e-commerce websites and messaging apps now handle customer queries, solve problems, and provide recommendations. This technology ensures 24/7 customer service, a feature that was once difficult to achieve without AI support.

Searching for information by voice

AI allows users to effortlessly access information by converting speech into text, facilitating voice-activated searches. This technology proves invaluable for those who are too busy to type or for children who have not yet mastered writing skills.

Reflecting the UAE's commitment to AI excellence, the country has introduced the UAE National Program for Artificial Intelligence (BRAIN). This program allocates resources to track the latest advancements in AI and aligns with the UAE's goal of emerging as a global AI leader and partner.

Additionally, the establishment of the UAE Council for Artificial Intelligence ensures the oversight of AI initiatives across all governmental and educational institutions. This framework advances the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence and aims to position the nation as a top AI leader by 2031.

References

[1] forbes, What Is Artificial Intelligence (AI) And How Does It Work?
[2] stanford, Artificial Intelligence Definitions
[3] coursera, What Is Artificial Intelligence? Definition, Uses, and Types
[4] investopedia, Artificial Intelligence (AI): What It Is and How It Is Used