Python All-in-One For Dummies

Chapter 4

Using Artificial Intelligence in Robotics

IN THIS CHAPTER

Understanding the use of AI in robotics

How AI helps in robotics

Machine learning in our robot

“Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages.”

—DICTIONARY.COM

So, AI is meant to replace people? Well, not really. Modern AI looks to enhance machine intelligence at certain tasks that are normally done by people. Even saying the words “machine intelligence” is somewhat of a misnomer because it is hard to claim that machines have intelligence at all, at least as we think of it in people.

Instead of the philosophical debate, let’s focus on how to use some modern AI techniques in a real robot example.

For a better overview of AI and some of the philosophy involved, check out Book 4.

So, what AI technique can we use in our robotic car? Turns out there is a Pi camera on the car, and computer vision is really hard, so let’s do something ...