Artificial intelligence research made great strides in 2017, increasing the capabilities and opening up new applications for the technology.
Unfortunately, the topic always raises concerns that someday, machines will enslave the human race and conquer the Earth like Skynet did in the Terminator franchise.
Here's a look back at artificial intelligence in 2017, and how far (or near) humans are from something like Skynet happening.
What Did Artificial Intelligence Achieve In 2017?
Artificial intelligence is defined as the study and design of intelligent agents, which are systems that can perceive their environment and take actions that maximize the chance of success. AI makes it possible for machines to learn from experiences and perform tasks just like humans.
Many believe that the technology will play a huge role in our technological future, which is why companies like Samsung and countries like China are making huge investments into AI.
In 2017, artificial intelligence went on a gaming spree to prove its capabilities. In January, an AI named Libratus, developed by researchers from the Carnegie Mellon University, was able to beat professional players in the game of poker.
In May, Google's AlphaGo AI defeated the world's top player of Go, an abstract strategy game that is considered as one of the most complex board games. In August, a bot created by artificial intelligence startup OpenAI defeated the best DOTA 2 players in the world.
AI's advancements in 2017 are not just for games though. Other reported applications for the technology in the year include the identification of aging biomarkers to help extend life spans, the possibility of implanting AI-powered nanobots to create superhumans, and Facebook using AI to help prevent suicides.
Of course, consumers are very much exposed by now to artificial intelligence through personal digital assistants such as Amazon's Alexa, Apple's Siri, Samsung's Bixby, and the Google Assistant.
The Threat Of Artificial Intelligence
The growth of artificial intelligence, however, is still viewed as a threat despite the technology's many useful applications. It does not help the technology's public image that Anthony Levandowski, a former Uber executive, established a religion to worship AI.
The incident with AI this year that may have caused the most concern that something like Skynet was forming happened in July. A Facebook AI system was shut down after it invented its own language that humans could not understand. The social network later clarified that this was not what happened.
Two of the greatest minds in modern history, however, continue to warn the world about the dangers of AI. Renowned physicist Stephen Hawking said that AI might either destroy humans through a nuclear or biological war or replace humans entirely. Tesla and SpaceX CEO and visionary Elon Musk, meanwhile, said that the threat of AI is worse than North Korea and that the technology will likely spark World War III.
The Future Of Artificial Intelligence
It remains to be seen what else artificial intelligence research will achieve in 2018. However, what is sure is that the world will keep a close eye on the technology, both for the new applications that will arise and because of the warnings against it.
