Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming more common in the software we use every day, from digital assistants on our devices to smart applications that help us at work. But what exactly is AI? In simple terms, AI refers to software that can perform tasks similar to humans. Let’s take a look at some of the human-like capabilities that AI can exhibit:
- Visual Perception: AI can use computer vision to understand and process images and videos from cameras or live streams.
- Text Analysis: With natural language processing (NLP), AI can not only read text but also extract meaning from it.
- Speech: AI can recognize spoken words as input and generate spoken responses. This has led to conversational AI, where users interact with AI like they do with humans.
- Decision Making: AI can use past data and learned patterns to make informed decisions. For example, it can spot anomalies in sensor readings and take action to prevent failures.
Understand AI-related terms
These capabilities are making software more intuitive and useful in various scenarios. But what do related terms like data science and machine learning mean?
- Data Science: Data science involves analyzing data to uncover patterns and relationships. It helps us make sense of information and find solutions.
- Machine Learning: This is a subset of data science. It trains predictive models based on patterns in data. For instance, it can predict population trends based on factors like nesting sites and human population.
- Artificial Intelligence: AI builds on machine learning to create software that emulates human-like traits. For example, it can monitor wildlife populations using images from remote cameras.
As AI becomes part of software solutions, engineers need to integrate AI features into their applications. They can use prepackaged AI services to create intelligent solutions without becoming data scientists.
Understand considerations for AI Engineers
When using AI, engineers need to understand:
- Model Training and Inferencing: AI systems rely on models trained with data to make predictions. New data is used for inferencing, where the model predicts labels based on features.
- Probability and Confidence Scores: AI predictions are based on probabilities. Engineers should use confidence scores to evaluate predictions and ensure reliability.
- Responsible AI and Ethics: AI decisions are based on data and models, which can lead to trust from users. Engineers must consider ethical implications and potential risks to ensure fairness, reliability, and user safety.
In a world increasingly influenced by AI, understanding these concepts empowers engineers to create intelligent and responsible solutions. It’s a journey that balances technological advancement with ethical considerations, making our software smarter and more impactful.
