In 1956, Cornell University academic Frank Rosenblatt theorised that electronic systems could be programmed to recognise patterns in optical, electrical and tonal information “in a manner which may be closely analogous to the perceptual process of a biological brain.” This was considered one of the earliest breakthroughs in artificial intelligence.
In 1997, IBM’s Deep Blue supercomputer beat world chess champion Garry Kasparov in a highly publicised chess match that showcased the power and promise of AI. This helped to popularise the field of study, and triggered widespread interest in machine intelligence.
Artificial intelligence has become a vital tool in many business processes. From detecting fraud in banking to optimising robotic surgery, the software enhances operational efficiency and accuracy. AI never gets tired, distracted or overwhelmed, and its strict algorithms ensure that its decisions are sound. It can also spot trends, allowing it to perform complex analysis and identify opportunities.
Similarly, AI can learn and improve on its own over time to create more sophisticated solutions. This is especially useful for repetitive tasks, freeing human employees to concentrate on more meaningful work. For example, a bank’s AI can analyse customer data to predict buying habits, so it can create personalized marketing copy and promotions that drive sales.
Other uses of AI include automating processes, such as verifying documents or transcribing calls to a call center, and improving employee productivity. This allows companies to focus on more strategic issues and grow their businesses. In the future, AI will help us understand more about ourselves, each other and our world. But the most impactful applications will combine this intelligence with human insight and compassion, creating true partnerships that empower and inspire.