SERIES 1: UNDERSTANDING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems capable of performing complex tasks that historically only a human could do. Such task include reasoning, making decision or even solving problems. AI is based on the principle that human intelligence can be defined in a way that a machine can easily mimic it and execute tasks, from the most simple to those that are even more complex. The primary goal of artificial intelligence is for machines such as computers and robots to mimic human cognitive activity.

APPLICATION OF AI:

There are several examples of AI already in use, a good example is the recommendation algorithms that suggest what you might like next as a chatbot that appear on websites or in form of smart speakers.

Currently, as technology advances and innovation increases, AI is being tested and used in the healthcare industry for suggesting drug dosages, identifying treatments, and for aiding in surgical procedures in the operating room. Other examples of machines with artificial intelligence include computers that play chess and self-driving cars.

In healthcare settings, AI is being used to assist in diagnostics of patients and classify patients, maintain and track medical records. Future innovations are thought to include AI-assisted robotic surgery, virtual nurses or doctors, and collaborative clinical judgment.

TYPE OF AI:

Artificial intelligence can be classified into two different categories: weak and strong. Weak artificial intelligence embodies a system designed to carry out one particular job. Weak AI systems include video games such as the chess or a chatbot on websites where you ask the assistant a question, and it answers it for you.

Strong artificial intelligence on the other hand are systems that carry out the tasks considered to be human-like. These tend to be more complex and complicated systems. They are programmed to handle situations in which they may be required to solve problems without a human intervening. These kinds of systems can be found in applications like self-driving cars or in hospital operating rooms.

POSSIBLE THREATS OF AI:

Whereas humans are to embrace technology and innovation so as to ease how certain things are done, the technology including the use of AI comes with its own challenges. One common challenge is the idea that machines will become so highly developed that human will not be able to keep up and they will take off on their own, redesigning themselves at an exponential rate.

Another threat posed by the increasing use of AI is that machines can hack into people’s privacy and in such situation be difficult for humans to get redress incase their private information is breached by a machine that cannot be traced or even be sued maybe because data privacy laws do not apply to them etc.

AI can also be weaponized especially by the developed States whose technology cannot be matched with that of other developing countries. What will happen to the third world countries with struggling economies that are still fighting common problems such as food security, healthcare crisis, drought and flood among others.

Another threat of AI is whether to treat artificial intelligence such as robots with intelligence system with the same rights as humans.

AI may also affect human employment. With many industries looking to automate certain jobs through the use of intelligent machinery, there is a concern that people would be pushed out of the workforce.

Lastly when it comes to self-driving cars, they may remove the need for taxis and car-share programs. Manufacturers may easily replace human labor with machines, making people’s skills obsolete.

It is therefore important to note that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving technology that tries to simulate human intelligence using machines, enabling them to perform a wide range of tasks, from simple to complex.

Read more on legal framework governing AI and what Kenya can borrow from developed States like the UK & USA on AI series 2 at www.aowangaadvocates.com

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