Sophia, an artificial intelligence (AI) humanoid, was in the news recently for becoming the first robot ever to have a nationality. In October 2017, Sophia was granted Saudi Arabian citizenship. This AI-powered robot is famous for speaking at the United Nations and interviewing celebrities and world leaders.
Sophia, developed by Hanson Robotics, is an example of the most sophisticated AI-powered robots built by humans in recent times. It can imitate human gestures, facial expressions, and make conversations in the form of answering certain questions and initiating discussions on predefined topics.
AI was founded as an academic discipline in 1956. Since then, AI techniques have become an essential part of the technology industry. Different types of AI-powered robots are being developed in different parts of the world, including the US, China, Japan, Korea, and India.
China developed its first human-like female robot called Jia Jia in 2016, at its University of Science and Technology. Then, there is Erica, a Japanese female robot created by Hiroshi Ishiguro Laboratories, who is considered the most beautiful robot in the world. As per reports, two-thirds of global investments in AI poured into China. This led to the AI industry grow 67 percent last year alone.
AI technologies
Latest AI technologies include natural language generation, speech recognition, virtual agents, machine learning, deep learning, biometrics, and AI-optimized hardware. AI experts break AI down into three broad categories: artificial narrow intelligence (ANI), artificial general intelligence (AGI) and artificial superintelligence (ASI).
Sophia uses AI, visual data processing and facial recognition technology. Complex and intelligent algorithms and good sensory systems could make AI robots perform even better.
Types of AI applications
You can find AI in robotics, healthcare, education, businesses and on your mobile devices, to name a few. We have narrowed down the list of AI applications to a few, each accompanied with a glimpse into the future, illustrating how AI will continue to transform industries and our lives.
Virtual assistants
These are basically software agents that provide a wide variety of services. Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri are some of the most popular AI assistants. Many virtual assistant software is now being installed in smartphones as well to serve you in a better way.
Internet applications
AI finds many useful applications in Internet-related technologies, such as digital marketing, creating and generating online content, digital advertising, Web searches, Web designs, chatbots, the Internet of Things (IoT) and others.
Digital marketing
This field has revolutionized modern businesses. While the amount of information on potential consumers grows, AI-related technology will be of the utmost importance when making data-based decisions. AI helps find people and customers based on their interests, demographics and other aspects to learn and detect the best audience for particular brands.
Content creation
There are areas where content created by AI can be useful and help attract visitors to a website. AI can also write reports and news based on data and information. Hundreds of articles can be created with AI technology quickly, which can save a lot of time and resources.
Online searches
Old ways of performing online searches no longer stay true. Two use cases using AI that has revolutionized Internet searches and search engine optimization (SEO) are voice search and Google’s algorithm called RankBrain. These have changed the way marketers create and optimize their Web content.
Web Designing
With AI, websites could exist without the help of programmers and designers. Applications, such as Grid, use AI to design websites based on the information provided by users like images, text, calls-to-action, etc. AI can make websites look professional in very little time and at a much lower cost.
Chatbots
Consumers are already using chatbots to chat with friends and colleagues without waiting for a long time for a response. Chatbots automate responses to potential buyers’ frequently asked questions and provide them a way to search for the product or service they are looking for.
Cybersecurity
The main concern in today’s digital world is cybersecurity. Malware and virus attacks are common in the cyber world. There is a constant threat of data security to not just individuals or corporates but also government sectors. AI along with machine learning is used for the protection of data.
The IoT
AI is used to manage huge data flows and storage in the IoT network. With high-speed Internet networks and advanced sensors integrated into microcontrollers (MCUs), AI along with the IoT is creating a new wave of disruptive technologies.
Healthcare
A new type of AI algorithm is being used by Google’s Medical Brain to make predictions about the likelihood of death among hospital patients. This technology is the latest attempt to revolutionize healthcare. AI programs are being developed and used in diagnoses, treatments, drug development, and patient monitoring and care.
Military
AI and robotics are enabling new military capabilities and strategies including intelligence, surveillance, and even nuclear weapon systems. AI is used in autonomous weapons and sensing systems.
India and AI
AI holds the potential to add US$ 957 billion or 15 percent of India’s current gross value by 2035.
Union Budget 2018 announcements include national programs to conduct research and development on technologies like machine learning, AI and others.
NITI Aayog, the nation’s think-tank, and premier policy-making body are working on new technologies for the development of the economy.
The government is working on AI initiatives to put India on the global map with regards to AI and to promote it in health, education and agricultural sectors.
India-made Miko by Emotix, a companion robot, is an example of technologies that incorporate AI. Miko engages, educates and entertains children besides talking to and playing games with them. It is equipped with answers to basic questions related to general knowledge and academics.
There is a humanoid robot called Rashmi, developed recently in India. It is the first Hindi-speaking robot who is hosting a show on Red FM since December 2018.
The Way Forward
AI is becoming a disruptive force that is redefining the modern industry. Importance of AI technology is being felt across a broad spectrum of industries. From voice-powered personal assistants like Alexa to technologies such as behavioral algorithms, suggestive Internet search algorithms, and autonomous vehicles, there is a lot of scope for applications of AI today. Robots built to look and act like humans are getting a lot of attention and making splashy headlines and appearances.
AI is still in the developing stages. The market is not easily quantifiable and yet there are plenty of opportunities available for AI. There is hope that AI applications will keep serving humans in the most beneficial way of going forwards.
