Convergence: Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing

Appendix B: What Is Artificial Intelligence?

Philip L. Frana, Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies & Independent Scholars, James Madison University

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving field rooted in computing and the cognitive sciences. As an academic field, AI involves research on intelligent agents that perceive and respond to environments like cyberspace or the physical world to achieve specific goals. Siri and Alexa chatbots are examples of intelligent agents, as are the sensor and actuator-based systems implanted in Roomba vacuum cleaners and Tesla cars. More generally, AI encompasses both real and fictional efforts to imitate human (and animal) intelligence and creativity with machines and code.

Human behaviors and characteristics of interest to AI researchers may involve pattern recognition, problem-solving and decision-making, learning and knowledge representation, communication, and emotions. Some advances in AI are stunning enough to garner millions of views on social media, but for every Boston Dynamics robot performing synchronized gymnastics or Disney Stuntronic Spider-Man doing spectacular acrobatic tricks, there are dozens of AI applications (recommendation and search engines, banking and investment software, shopping and pricing bots) that are so commonplace that we hardly remark upon their near-magical effectiveness anymore. In the popular imagination, “AI is whatever hasn't been done yet;” AI for most people is digital pixie ...