What is artificial intelligence?
Artificial intelligence is the ability of a machine to imitate human abilities such as logical thinking, learning, planning and creativity.
AI enables technical systems to perceive their environment, deal with what they perceive and solve problems in order to achieve a specific goal. The computer receives data (which has already been prepared or collected via its own sensors, for example a camera), processes it and reacts.
AI systems are able to adapt their actions by analyzing the consequences of previous actions and working autonomously.
Why is AI important?
Some technologies have been around for over 50 years, but advances in computing power, the availability of large amounts of data, and new algorithms have led to groundbreaking breakthroughs in AI in recent years.
Artificial intelligence is a key driver of the digital transformation of our society. That is why AI is also an important priority for the EU .
Even though AI is already present in our everyday lives, new applications are likely to bring enormous changes in the future.
types of AI
- Software: virtual assistants, image analysis software, search engines, speech and facial recognition systems
- "Embedded" AI: robots, autonomous cars, drones, applications of the "Internet of Things"
AI in everyday life
We are often not aware of how often we already use AI in our everyday lives. Here are some examples.
online shopping and advertising
Artificial intelligence is used to provide customers with personalized recommendations based on, for example, previous product searches and purchasesor based on their other online behavior. AI is of great importance for retail, especially in product optimization, inventory planning and logistics.
web search
Search engines learn from extensive data entered by users to provide relevant search results.
Digital personal assistants
Smartphones use AI for optimal personalization. Virtual assistants that answer questions, make recommendations and help organize everyday life have already become ubiquitous.
Automatic translations
Translation tools for written and spoken language rely on artificial intelligence to provide and improve translations. AI can also be used to generate automatic subtitles for video content or TV shows.
Smart Homes, Cities and Infrastructures
Smart thermostats will learn from our usage behavior to save energy, while smart cities will use AI to regulate traffic to improve connectivity and reduce traffic congestion.
vehicles
Even though self-driving vehicles are not yet standard, cars are already using AI-supported safety features. For example, the EU is funding the VI-DAS initiative . This initiative aims to develop automatic sensors that detect dangerous situations.
Another area of application for AI is intelligent navigation.
cybersecurity
AI systems can help detect and combat cyberattacks and other cyber threats by relying on continuous data input to identify patterns and trace attacks.
Artificial Intelligence against COVID-19
In the wake of the coronavirus crisis, artificial intelligence is being used, for example, in intelligent thermal imaging cameras at airports. In medicine, it is being used to detect infections on CT scans of the lungs. AI is also being used to provide data to track the spread of the virus.
Combating Disinformation
Certain AI-based applications can detect fake news and disinformation by evaluating social media content, searching for key terms and determining which sources are considered reliable.
Other examples of the use of artificial intelligence
AI will change virtually all aspects of everyday life and the economy. Here are some examples.
Health
Researchers are currently investigating how AI can be used to analyze large amounts of data and find patterns that can lead to new insights in medicine and improve diagnoses.
For example, researchers have developed an AI program for emergency calls that promises to diagnose cardiac arrests more quickly and accurately using a voice-controlled digital assistant. The EU co-funded KConnect program is developing innovative online-based medical search and analysis functions that will help researchers gain clearer insights into the effectiveness of specific medical interventions.
Traffic
AI could improve the safety, speed and efficiency of rail transport by minimizing wheel friction, maximizing speed and enabling autonomous driving.
manufacturing industry
Artificial intelligence can increase the efficiency of European manufacturers and help bring factories back to Europe. Robots can be used in production, sales channels can be optimized or necessary maintenance work in smart factories can be predicted in good time.
The EU-funded research project SatisFactory uses collaborative systems and augmented reality to increase job satisfaction in smart factories.
Food and Agriculture
AI can help create a sustainable food system . It can produce healthier food by minimizing the use of fertilizers, pesticides and water, increasing productivity and reducing environmental impact. For example, robots can be used to pull weeds, reducing the use of herbicides.
Many farms in the EU already use AI to monitor their livestock.
Public Administration and Services
Through data and pattern recognition, AI can play a crucial role in early warning of natural disasters.
88%
61 percent of Europeans are positive about AI and robotics; however, 88 percent say these technologies should be used with caution. (Eurobarometer 2017, EU28)
