There are many definitions that attempt to explain what Artificial Intelligence (AI) is. I like to think of AI as a science that investigates knowledge and intelligence, possibly the intelligent application of knowledge. Knowledge and Intelligence are as fundamental as the universe within which they exist, it may turn out that they are more fundamental.
One of the aims of AI is said to be the investigation of human cognition and AI is part of Cognitive Science. My view is that AI is really an investigation into the creation of intelligence and that there is no reason for the intelligence that is created to be exactly the same as human intelligence. Reading the AI literature highlights several difficulties that arise from the complexity of the subject:
It is difficult for business to see general relevance from AI. This is probably one of the reasons for the compartmentalisation of AI into things like Knowledge Based Systems, Neural Networks, Genetic Algorithms etc. Some of these separate sub topics have been shown to be very useful in solving certain difficult business and industrial problems and consequently funding bodies influence research directions by encouraging work on these more application based areas. This can have a positive effect for business benefit and has lead to some very useful systems that have found their way into the heart of business activity.
Business should not lose sight of where AI could go because there are many potential benefits to current and new businesses of future research. The idea of robotic domestic workers is still far fetched but companies are making progress even here. There is already a Robot Vacuum Cleaner marketed by Electrolux and doubtless improved systems with better functionality will follow.
The job of AKRI is to promote intelligent systems within business. This is not only an interesting thing to do but it is an essential role for the growth of successful business. Our view is that companies can use AKRI simply to remain aware of developments or can use it to find out more detail and make new contacts. One of the main areas of interest for AKRI is Knowledge and the Application of Knowledge. We believe that this is one of the main areas of not only business development but also potentially social development.
AI is here to stay. It will no doubt be subject to change and both benefit and suffer from changes in fashion and funding. AKRI will continue to support business but AKRI has a responsibility to do more than give business what it thinks that it wants today. AKRI needs to present new opportunity and new ideas and not simply tell people what they want to hear. I think that AKRI has a responsibility to remain aware of and support wherever possible the global goals of AI and to encourage business to be both interested in them and aware of developments.