The History Of AI

Artificial Intelligence, better known as AI, is a complex computer system that can process data to perform tasks in a human-like manner. In today’s digital age, it’s of the utmost importance that you understand what AI is and how to use it for your business. 

In the following series of three articles, we will discuss the history of AI, AI best practices, and the best AI tools of 2024. Read on to learn about the origins and use cases of AI.

What Is AI?

AI is a computer model that is trained on large amounts of data, learns to identify patterns in it, and carries out tasks as it is told to do by its human programmer. Another way to think of it is that AI is a neural network that is able to carry out tasks nearly as well as a human. AI is able to recognize handwriting, speech and images, understand language, comprehend text, and complete predictive reasoning. 

It uses complex computer models to analyze data, replicate human intelligence, and solve problems. It can do this on its own, or with the help of additional technology, including sensors, geolocators, and robotics.

Most AI models use a combination of machine learning and deep learning to mimic the way humans make decisions. They simulate the human decision making process through data and neural networks. 

Let’s define these terms.

• Machine Learning. Machine learning is a technological term that essentially means a piece of technology is using data to imitate the way that humans learn.
• Deep Learning. Deep learning is a subset of machine learning that uses multi-layered neural networks, aka deep neural networks, to mimic human decision making.
• Neural Networks. A neural network is a machine learning program that mimics the way human neurons work to make decisions. 

The Origins Of AI

While many regard AI as a new technology, its origins go back to the 1950s. In 1950, a cutting-edge piece of AI technology was built by engineer Claude Shannon. This piece of technology, named Theseus, was a remote controlled mouse that was able to learn how to find its way out of a maze and could remember its course. This innovative piece of technology showed engineers the vast capabilities of technology, machine learning, and AI models.

Later in the 1950s, another highly advanced AI innovation was released. Named Perceptron Mark I, this piece of technology was the very first artificial neural network. By processing data, this technology was capable of visually distinguishing cards marked on the left from cards marked on the right.

Over the years, computer scientists continued to test new forms of AI tech. In the early 1990s, an AI model named TD-Gammon was invented. This piece of technology was taught to play backgammon at a high level. It was able to learn the game so well it played a level just below the best human players. Think about when you’ve played a video or computer game, like chess for example, and you’ve played against the “computer.” That is a form of artificial intelligence.

In the 2010s, AI made leaps and bounds. A new AI, called AlexNet, was the first AI to be capable of recognizing images of objects almost as well as humans. This model used a deep learning system. It required a neural network with many layers to teach the AI to recognize images of objects. For example, it could identify and distinguish between images of cats and images of dogs.

Modern AI

Today, AI has many uses. It’s come a long way in its abilities. Along with the abilities mentioned above, now AI can generate images, text, music, and videos. This is what is called generative AI. AI technology platforms such as Chat-GPT and Midjourney are forms of generative AI. 

AI has many uses in the business space. You are likely using it without even realizing as it has become so ingrained in modern business practices. 

The following are examples of AI uses.

• Text-to-Speech. Text-to-speech capabilities, often available on documentation software and messaging services, are a form of AI. This can save time when writing long documents, emails, or messages for work.
• Image Recognition. Image recognition, such as your phone’s ability to identify the person or animal in your photos, uses AI. This can be helpful when organizing many images, say for social media or marketing purposes.
• Predictive Text. Predictive text is a form of AI. When your email writes suggestions to complete your sentence or Google fills in the rest of your search for you, AI is being used. This can save you time by reducing the time it takes you to type out your response.
• Research. Generative AI can be very helpful when it comes to research. Generative AI, like Chat-GPT, can be an effective way to conduct preliminary research. However, since it doesn’t cite sources, there is no way of knowing if it’s accurate without conducting further research. In a way, it can be used like Wikipedia as a starting point for research to inform specific search queries. 
• Virtual Assistants. Virtual assistants, like Apple’s Siri, Amazon’s Alexa, and Microsoft’s Copilot, use AI to assist you. By finding answers to your questions quickly, these AI services can make you more efficient and productive.
• Social Media Algorithms. AI is behind many social media algorithms to learn what each individual likes to see on their pages and show them posts that will keep them on the platform longer. This is important to be aware of as it pertains to business. Marketers should be informed of the algorithms of the social media platforms their customers use in order to reach them effectively.
• Review Pages. E-commerce sites, specifically Amazon, have learned how to use AI to their advantage. AI is able to go through every review, identify, and remove false reviews.

Learn How To Effectively Use AI Today

In modern businesses, it’s important to learn, understand, and employ AI. To effectively use AI, you should understand what it is, how it started, and the appropriate ways to use it for your business.
Are you ready to strategically use artificial intelligence to empower your business? Contact Mythos Group for a consultation.