Artificial intelligence (AI) is seemingly everywhere. Currently, generative AI, in particular — tools like Midjourney, ChatGPT, Gemini (previously Bard), and others — is at the peak of hype.
But as an academic discipline, this technology has been around for much longer than just the last couple of years. When it comes to real-world applications, many have stayed hidden or relatively unknown. These tools are much less glossy than fantasy-image generators — yet they are also ubiquitous.
As various AI technologies continue to progress, we’ll only see an increase in their use in various industries. This includes healthcare, consumer tech, and more concerning uses, such as warfare. Here’s a rundown of some of the wide-ranging applications of this technology you may be less familiar with.
AI in healthcare
Various AI systems are already being used in the health field, both to improve patient outcomes and advance health research.
One of the strengths of computer programs powered by artificial intelligence is their ability to sift through and analyze truly enormous data sets in a fraction of the time it would take a human — or even a team of humans — to accomplish.
For example, the technology is helping researchers comb through vast genetic data libraries. By analyzing large data sets, geneticists can hone in on genes that could contribute to various diseases, which will help develop new diagnostic tests.
AI is also helping to speed up the search for medical treatments. Selecting and testing treatments for a particular disease can take ages, so leveraging its ability to comb through data can be helpful here, too.
For example, United States-based non-profit Every Cure uses AI algorithms to search medical databases to match existing medications with illnesses they might potentially work for. This approach promises to save significant time and resources.
The hidden AIs
Outside of medical research, other fields not directly related to computer science also benefit from this technology.
At CERN, home of the Large Hadron Collider, a recently developed advanced AI algorithm is helping physicists tackle some of the most challenging aspects of analyzing the particle data generated in their experiments.
Last year, astronomers used an AI algorithm for the first time to identify a “potentially hazardous” asteroid — a space rock that might one day collide with Earth. This algorithm will be a core part of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory operations currently under construction in Chile.
One central area of our lives that uses largely “hidden” AI is transportation. Millions of flights and train trips are coordinated by AI worldwide. These systems are meant to optimize schedules to reduce costs and maximize efficiency.
Artificial intelligence can also manage real-time road traffic by analyzing traffic patterns, volume, and other factors and adjusting traffic lights and signals accordingly. Navigation apps like Google Maps also use AI optimization algorithms to find the best path in their navigation systems.
The technology is also present in various everyday items. Robot vacuum cleaners use its software to process all their sensor inputs and deftly navigate our homes.
The most cutting-edge cars use the technology in their suspension systems so passengers can enjoy a smooth ride.
Of course, there is also no shortage of more quirky AI applications. A few years ago, UK-based brewery startup IntelligentX used the technology to make custom beers for its customers. Other breweries are also using it to help them optimize beer production.
Meet the Ganimals is a “collaborative social experiment” from the MIT Media Lab, which uses generative AI technologies to develop new species that have never existed.
AI can also be weaponized
On a less lighthearted note, this technology also has many applications in defense. In the wrong hands, some of these uses can be terrifying.
For example, some experts have warned that AI can help in the creation of bioweapons. This could happen through gene sequencing, helping non-experts easily produce risky pathogens such as novel viruses.
Where active warfare is taking place, military powers can design warfare scenarios and plans using such technology. If a power uses such tools without applying ethical considerations or even deploys autonomous AI-powered weapons, it could have catastrophic consequences.
The technology has been used in missile guidance systems to maximize the effectiveness of military operations. It can also be used to detect covertly operating submarines.
In addition, it can be used to predict and identify the activities and movements of terrorist groups. This way, intelligence agencies can come up with preventive measures. Since these types of systems have complex structures, they require high processing power to get real-time insights.
Much has also been stated about how generative AI supercharges people’s ability to produce fake news and disinformation. This can potentially affect the democratic process and sway the outcomes of elections.
This technology is present in our lives in so many ways that it is nearly impossible to keep track. Its myriad applications will affect us all.
This is why ethical and responsible use of this technology and well-designed regulation are more important than ever. This way, we can reap the technology’s many benefits while staying ahead of the risks.
Niusha Shafiabady, Associate Professor in Computational Intelligence, Charles Darwin University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
