The Known and Unknown Ways that AI Shows Up Every Day
Sunday, July 16, 2023 is National Artificial Intelligence Appreciation Day. While it may seem that AI is still in its infancy, just starting to have an impact on our culture, the reality is that it has been with us for quite some time, changing the ways that we perform many of the basic tasks of our daily lives.
Where Is AI Present in Our Daily Lives?
It’s difficult to think of an area where artificial intelligence hasn’t had an impact. It’s become widespread in commerce, education, navigation, robotics and lifestyle functions, as well as employment, healthcare, agriculture, automobiles and even entertainment.
AI in Commerce
The last time you bought something from Amazon, you probably saw other items on the same page that were of interest to you. That’s because AI is used to create what are called “recommendation engines,
which compile your browsing history, interests and preferences and predict the types of other products that may appeal to you.
Artificial intelligence is also at the forefront of fraud protection in commerce, both with respect to credit card fraud and “review” fraud. AI can look at your prior credit card usage patterns and quickly determine if a transaction is uncharacteristic. It’s also extremely effective at identifying fake product reviews.
The Lifestyle Applications of Artificial Intelligence
These are often the most attractive uses of AI for consumers, from smartphones to smart appliances to smart cars. Developers are using machine learning to teach computers a wide range of human traits, including the ability to see and recognize other objects, and take appropriate action in response. Because of artificial intelligence, you can control the HVAC in your home, open or close the garage door, turn on the television or even cook a roast from a hundred miles away.
AI in Navigation
Most of us rely on artificial intelligence to get to a place we’ve never been before (instead of the old paper map). AI can help us avoid a heavily congested area or find a way to cross the country without paying tolls. It’s also essential for Amazon, Federal Express, UPS, Uber and other logistics companies who regularly need to find the quickest route from point A to point B.
Artificial Intelligence in Farming
Scientists have developed ways to use machine learning to maximize crop yields. They can use AI to determine when the soil needs more (or less) nitrogen or some other nutrient, whether crops need irrigation, and where the greatest likelihood is for weeds to grow.
