How Far Has AI Come?

Artificial intelligence is fascinating and scary at the same time. We all see the movies where AI takes over, and humans are left to scramble to fight back, but AI can help us.

While artificial intelligence will never be human, with enough programming options, it may be hard to tell the difference one day. Many companies are designing AI machinery and software, with many more companies implementing their tech, but we often don't know what AI is capable of.

So, how far has AI come?

Humble Beginnings

AI is a computer science specialty that creates systems to replicate human intelligence and problem-solving abilities by processing data and learning from it to make improvements. 

This technology began in the early 1900s, but many "automations" were created throughout history, leading to the term robots or artificial people. By the 50s, there was machine intelligence playing checkers and chess, which led to the use of artificial intelligence. Technology further developed with a mix of programming language and anthropomorphic robots leading the way.

Today, AI has been developed to enter many areas of manufacturing and commerce to aid us in daily tasks.

With all this history, it is exciting to see the growth and implementation of artificial intelligence, but what is it doing now?

AI Threat Detection

Security is a big concern in business and public spaces, and there is a growing need for enhanced forms of protection. While security guards and surveillance cameras help mitigate violence and theft, they are often spread too thin because of logistical limitations. 

Weapon detection technology is the answer. It offers a robust and comprehensive use of technology to eliminate potential threats to people and property. This includes using a combination of tech that works in concert at large venues, corporate offices or outdoor spaces. 

Smart Object Detection 

This implements gateway screening to scan people as they move through areas without needing pat-downs and security screening. While keeping a steady flow of traffic, it scans for weapons like guns, knives, dangerous goods and even IED components. When a threat is recognized, security staff are alerted and swiftly respond before the criminal is even aware they have been detected.

Enhanced Video Surveillance 

Video surveillance and AI improve the monitoring and capturing of video footage. It can track real-time threats and use facial recognition to match to databases for quick identification. AI can also detect aggressive and abnormal behaviour and alert security to specific areas of a venue or building so any threat can be taken care of before it's too late.

Biometric Scanning 

To enhance safety, access points are better secured with biometrics. This replaces the need for scanning cards or FOBs because it accurately matches fingerprints, iris, voice, facials, and other indicators for verification. Doors and other access points can be secured or areas locked off to quarantine a threat or intruder. 

Healthcare

Healthcare is, unfortunately, a growing industry as the population ages. AI has been implemented in several areas to aid in the ongoing needs of patients and healthcare professionals. 

Resource Management includes data keeping and tracking of patient records, visits and appointment scheduling.

Virtual Medical Assistants help record and transcribe doctor, nurse, and patient conversations. It can also generate prescriptions and aid in diagnosis, recommending treatments and assessing follow-up appointments based on the data it processes.

Triage is vital to assess the needs of patients, and AI can segregate those needing immediate assistance for better patient care. This information sorting further helps emergency teams when treating patients.

By combining medical imaging with AI, MRI and CT scanning can be analyzed to support and inform medical staff about various problems and cross that with other testing results and medical histories to aid in better treatment.

Customer Support

Money makes the world go around, and in this digital era, more and more commerce is done online. This leads to a growing demand for customer support services, and shoppers need help navigating websites and shopping and product concerns, questions and returns. While you can use real people to speak with customers, the global reach of business makes manning phones too difficult around the clock.

AI has effectively taken the burden off customer service with great results. It can effectively sort incoming calls and get precise information for various inquiries. Chatbots on web pages can assist with questions or concerns and even help with sales processing. AI is implemented to send reminders and notifications to existing customers and those who sign up for website alerts. When customers can quickly get the information they need, they are more likely to return to shop at your site again. 

This is how far AI has come; it only touches the tip of the iceberg. Under the waterline is a host of other AI integrations within business and home use that we interact with every day, and as the technology unfolds and spreads, we will only be the better for it. While robots may be walking among us during the day, they will be there to enhance our existence, not take over it.

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