Wk2: Surfing The Tsunami - Ch 2 recap

 Artificial Intelligence and the Four A’s: Autos, Advice, Automation and Analysis 

AI, Autos and Autonomy

Self-driving cars are a perfect visual example of AI. For many years now we have continued to see automotive companies promise this technology, but it seems that they didn’t account for how complicated it can be. Check out this video:  

Any AI implicates machine learning. According to Professor Kelsey, machine learning involves teaching a computer how to do something or to learn algorithms. Automation can be very complex for a self-driving car due to safety issues. There are many situations and objects to be aware of when driving. Just like the human brain, there are many pictures that need to be analyzed and processed to make decisions. This is something companies like Google have been working on with their cars driving around with cameras taking pictures to provide a street view when you are searching for an address. This reminds me of The Office and the street view from in front of Dwight’s Schrute Farms lol. 

Understanding how self-driving cars happen is to understand technology. Hardware and software must work together. As you probably know, every computer or electronic device contains chips made out of silicon. Chips are all connected, and electricity runs through them., however this would be pointless without the software. Software tells the computer what to do. We are all too familiar now with constant software updates on our phones, apps, watches, GPS, etc. It is constantly changing! 

AI and Advice

By now we are too familiar with Siri and Alexa, and some cant image how it didn’t exist before. This is another example of computer intelligence that is constantly learning to process voice commands and constantly learning. Even though you might access them on a device such as your phone, you're speaking to a computer that is more likely connected to a cloud where the company has a large datacenter with tons of data.  

AI and Automation 

With the right software and hardware many things can be automated. There are physical and virtual processes. Automation is simply teaching a robot to repeat an action. Physical automation can be viewed in manufacturing such as in the auto industry.

A virtual process is when the automation is mostly or totally virtual or digital. Think of programs that do most work for you without the need for manual calculations, etc. One I use regularly now is QuickBooks for accounting, budget apps, self-check outs, etc. Some concerns with technology are the job losses that it can create. Covid-19 showed us how the virtual world was able to be a benefit to us when face to face was not recommended, and also the drawbacks that it can have. 

AI and Analysis 

Analysis is the most sophisticated part of AI. Just like our brain analyzes information to guide our thoughts and actions, so do robots. The data received needs to be analyzed in order to produce a function. Professor Kelsey provides an example of this analysis as a flow chart that based on the data can give you an output or action.  

Let me know your thoughts below! References: Kelsey, T. (2018). Surfing the Tsunami: An Introduction to Artificial                 Intelligence and Options for Responding. Independently published.