What is Artificial Intelligence?

An era where machines could walk, talk, and think like humans has been a sci-fi fantasy for centuries. Artificial intelligence just proved it to be true! Artificial Intelligence involves upgrading computer technology to comprehend the operations from existing data, adapt to new incoming resources and execute human-like jobs. It deploys machines and technologies to stimulate the human brain while making judgments. Examples of artificial Intelligence are digital assistants like Alexa and Siri, computers playing chess, self-driving cars, disease mapping, etc. The field is growing tremendously at present as many students are finding the whole concept of creating human-like intelligence in machines a very fascinating branch of computer science.

There is an increased demand for AI professionals as many companies are looking to incorporate artificial intelligence within their system to keep up with the technological advancement and achieve better operational efficiency.

Why is artificial intelligence important?

• AI can perform a large number of automated tasks, which could save costs, time and human efforts.
• AI products have enhanced intelligence that can interact with massive data to give output that support decision making and inferences. For example, conversation platforms have streamlined the query section of many websites.
• AI utilizes deep neural networks to achieve remarkable accuracy. An example of this accurate assessment is deep learning and object recognition, some of the AI techniques that can now be utilized in the health industry to diagnose cancer on medical imaging with greater accuracy.

What are the types of artificial intelligence?

Artificial intelligence can be divided into two types:

Based on functionalities:

1. Reactive Machines

This level of artificial intelligence is the most straightforward. Such types provide a result in response to a certain stimulus. For example, a reactive machine receives a human face as feed and generates a frame around it to recognize it as a face.

2. Limited Theories

It involves the process of keeping data for future reasonable estimates and predictions. In limited theories, AI has a short-term or transient memory. An example of limited theory is how internet browsers  and certain websites store your log in details for a limited amount of time.

3. Theory of mind

It is a notion that describes an intelligent grade of science. Such AI necessitates a detailed grasp of how the individuals and objects in one’s surroundings might influence one’s emotions and actions. This sort of AI will primarily concentrate on sentimental understanding to effectively perceive human beliefs and ideas. Many e-commerce retailers are using this concept to create customized experiences for website/ app users by showing them relevant information that appeals to their sensibilities.

4. Self-awareness

Self- awareness as an AI functionality is one of the most eagerly anticipated features. In this state, the AI machines will have their own well-developed Intelligence.

Based on Capabilities:

1. Narrow AI

It is the phase of Artificial Intelligence where systems can only do a limited and specified set of activities. The computer or machine lacks the potential to understand at this point; therefore, it just conducts a series of pre-defined operations.

2. General AI

It is the point in Artificial Intelligence’s progress when systems will be intelligent enough to analyze and implement choices in the same way humans do.

3. Super AI

It is a speculative scenario in which technology has overtaken humans in terms of Intelligence.

What are the career opportunities in artificial intelligence?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) profession prospects have risen as industry demands have increased. The promise that AI will produce plenty of new jobs is undoubtedly true. There is a wide range of opportunities one can explore in this domain, such as:

• Business Intelligence Developer
• Research Scientist
• AI Data Analyst
• Robotics Scientist
• Big Data Engineer
• Data Mining and Analysis
• Data Scientist

Courses for Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is among the significant notable technological advancements of the twenty-first century. Professionals from many sectors explore its characteristics and look for new methods to apply them. There are numerous courses available these days to study and understand the concepts of artificial Intelligence. You can pursue them through:

Undergraduate programs

Many undergraduate programs focus on artificial Intelligence. Some are specialized programs, while some are included in the engineering or computer science curriculum. You will be exposed to artificial intelligence in both ways and can pursue in-depth by going for masters or certification courses.

Postgraduate programs

Several M.Tech and M.Sc in artificial Intelligence have come up today. To gain more knowledge in the domain after your undergrad, a master’s will enhance your knowledge and designation when seeking a reputable job in the sector.

Certification courses

Numerous institutes and online platforms provide courses for AI. If you are interested in getting introduced to the industry, a short introductory course will benefit you. While discovering more to get a nuanced understanding to build your skills and expertise, there are advanced courses.
To be a disruptor and changemaker, you must understand that you need to embrace the technologies of tomorrow, today. In this context, Artificial Intelligence is one of the most promising career options whose relevance and importance will only increase in the times to come.