From Sci-Fi to Real Life: Why Artificial Intelligence Matters in Todays World
It wasn’t long ago when authors and movie writers wowed their audiences with stunning narratives about artificial intelligence (AI). Although these fictional stories often portrayed AI as murderous robots with human-like thinking capacity and logic, AI in the real world is not as exciting.
In fact, you might be surprised to know that some of the most ordinary tasks you do are made possible with the help of AI.
What exactly is artificial intelligence?
Encyclopedia Britannica defines artificial intelligence as the ability of a machine (usually a computer or something that is controlled by a computer) to perform tasks that might be deemed ordinary or common to intelligent beings.
Examples include Alexa or Siri talking to you, Microsoft Word reading your manuscript aloud, or your smartphone being able to recognize your face.
In short, artificial intelligence enables computers to do things that, in the past, only humans could do. In addition, artificial intelligence enables machines to learn so that they can repeatedly perform tasks without human intervention or assistance.
Machine learning is an area of technology that focuses on the development of computer programs that enable computers to learn. They do so by identifying the patterns in data, which can consist of the examples, direct experiences, observations, or instructions that humans provide.
An example is how the Waze app learns the most efficient route to your destination based on other users’ feedback on traffic and road conditions.
Other Applications of AI
In addition to the aforementioned examples, you also use artificial intelligence whenever you log on to your Facebook, LinkedIn, or Uber account.
If you own a self-driving car or pay bills using the tap-and-go system, or if you talk to a chatbot for a consumer concern, then you have used artificial intelligence.
AI has many actual and potential applications that can make people’s lives easier. The most notable is the use of AI in healthcare. For example, some hospitals in Australia use AI to diagnose serious diseases like cancer. Robots are also used in surgery.
Another use that shows great potential is utilizing AI to help assess whether a child has dyslexia.
At Dystech, we are developing the world’s first assessment app to determine whether or not a child has dyslexia.
Hugo Richard
Co-founder CEO - Dystech
Growing up dyslexic and dysgraphic, Hugo is passionate about creating efficient tools that can be used for early detection of learning disabilities.
Self-taught entrepreneur and early school leaver, Hugo’s work includes the application of image recognition and natural language processing techniques, which he uses to solve real-world problems. He has worked on diverse AI projects & startups in France, the UK and Australia. Dystech has already gained support from the likes of Amazon and Dear Dyslexic.
Hugo brings his uniquely programmed analytic mind to Dystech, where he also creates awareness around how computer science and AI will ultimately enable the creation of this powerfully reliable tool to positively impact people from all over the world.
Great article Hugo. Love what you guys are doing!