As time moves on, technology strives to make human lives faster and better. With how the technology is moving nowadays, it seems as if anything – from a personal robot that can be your friend/maid to driverless cars – is possible. Artificial intelligence is being embraced by the masses, enabling them to live hassle free lives.
Artificial Intelligence and the common man
Although thought capable artificial beings have appeared in fiction from the early ages, the formal and academic advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) began in the 1900s. Now, almost everyone who owns a smart phone (which is more than 80% of USA) experiences a certain amount of AI in their lives. It has already touched virtually all parts of our lives. Technical giants like IBM and Google are making the most out of technology by spending billions on manufacturing their own chips which are optimized for Artificial Intelligence. IBM’s Watson, which is involved in cancer research, is an excellent example of AI development. This cloud based intelligence has access to huge amounts of data, which it uses to perform analysis.
Are personal robots becoming a reality?
At this year’s Consumer Electric Show held at Las Vegas, big manufacturers put up their products for show, allowing the public a glimpse of their latest technology. The most promising one was Aeolus, a humanoid prototype robot which fetches things from other rooms and vacuums. Other robots like LG’s CLOI, Sophia and Kuri made their presence felt. But their (primitive) working convinced the reporters that a robotic personal butler is a viable option only in the far future.
Everybody’s personal assistant is already here!
Alexa and Siri have become common household names. The phrase ‘Hey Google’ is equally common, if not more. Smart virtual assistants are penetrating our personal and professional domains. Switching off lights and locking doors are fast becoming non-physical tasks, with only a command to our smartphone completing the task. Internet of Things – IoT (or Internet of Everything) enables physical objects to be connected to each other through the internet. Business Insider further suggests that by 2020, more than 24 billion Internet of Things (IoT) devices will be installed all over the world. Today, virtual personal assistants are present in speakers and smartphones. But in a few years, it will take over other machines like TV, refrigerator among other things.
Driverless cars in the making
From all the newspaper reports in the past months, one can conclude that automatic cars that can navigate and park themselves are fast becoming a reality. Big players like Tesla, Uber and Google’s Waymo along with traditional firms like Toyota are spending huge amounts of money on creating the perfect automatic car that can completely take over the driving task while also monitoring the road for obstacles under specific traffic and weather conditions. Google wishes to start a self-driving ride-hailing service on the road by the end of this year. California witnesses, on a regular basis, Apple’s self-driving cars driving down the road. These are currently under tests. Uber predicts that such cars will be commercially available in 2030.
Revolution in Multiple fronts
Cloud computing has enabled companies like Netflix and Sling to shake the entertainment industry. With 4G networks being immensely successful, online streaming has crossed all bounds; with people ready to binge watch almost anything that garners their attention.
On the other hand, biometric security has undergone many changes, from Apple’s fingerprint recognition to facial recognition. Phones as well as buildings and computers are coming up with facial/eye recognition systems that increase the security.
3D printing is making the rounds in certain markets. John Kawola, President of Ultimaker North America, manufacturer of some of the most respected desktop 3D printers on the market told ZD Net that “Many auto manufacturers are using next-gen technology like 3D printing to drive efficiency. Volkswagen Autoeuropa is a great example. The company turned to desktop 3D printing to create custom tools and jigs that are used daily on the assembly line, replacing an old process that required outsourcing and long lead times.” Very inexpensive 3D printers, hobbyist and enthusiast 3D printers are available in the $500 range, while desktop professional 3D printers are present within the three to five thousand of dollar range.
Exciting future ahead
While Artificial Intelligence is creating waves in today’s world, constant research and studies is being done into creating new technologies and improvements. New technologies will not only be more powerful and fundamentally different, but it will also take the general public time to catch up to it. We are nearing a ‘fantasy’ age, almost similar to the atmosphere of the once popular show-‘ The Jetsons’. With the way things are going, it is important for us to stay ahead and up to date with the tech world. Getting left behind will be a poor decision.
This blog was written by our Content Writing Intern – Rona Sara George. Click on the name to view her LinkedIn profile.
Author: Xaltius (Rona Sara George)
This content is not for distribution. Any use of the content without intimation to its owner will be considered as violation.
