Artificial Intelligence, is a broad field of computer science that focuses on the development of intelligent machines and perform tasks that typically requires human-like intelligence, such as perception, reasoning, learning, and decision making.
This technology involves the development and implementation of algorithms, computer programs, and models that enable machines to analyze and understand complex data, recognize patterns, and make decisions based on that data.
Elsewhere in the global communities, artificial intelligence is deployed to power industries, shipping, hotel services, home deliveries and financial services.
The Advent of AI Technology
In 1956, an American computer scientist, John McCarthy coined the term ‘artificial intelligence’ and had the first AI conference in 1969, Shakey was the first general-purpose mobile robot built. It is now able to do things with a purpose.
His intention was to see if there was a way to create a machine that could think abstractly, solve problems, and develop itself like a human. “
AI Tech, as a concept, has existed since the 1950s, but it is only in recent times that technology has advanced to the point where it can be considered reliable enough to deploy for important business tasks.
AI can also monitor transport costs and supplier charges, finding the most cost-effective ways to purchase, deliver, and distribute goods to-and-from warehouse operations. It can provide buyers with recommendations, and update routings, ensuring the fastest service for customers.
Types of AI Technology
There are several types of AI, these includes rule-based systems which use pre-defined rules and logic to make decisions, while machine learning involves training algorithms on large sets of data to learn and improve over time and deep learning is a subset of machine learning that deals with the use of neural networks modeled after the structure of the human brain, to analyze as well as make decisions based on data.
Benefits of AI
The financial sector also benefits from AI as “Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in finance encompasses everything from chatbot assistants to fraud detection and task automation.
Most banks (80%) are highly aware of the potential benefits presented by AI, according to Insider Intelligence’s AI in Banking report,”
There is already globalization of this technology as many more organizations key in on ways to reduce costs of human capital and leaving responsibility to science to manage.
The International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the global technology regulator, is aiming to unify the technology in such ways as to create standards for open platform.
In 2017, the landmark AI for Good Global Summit marked the beginning of a global dialogue on the potential of AI to act as a force for good. The action-oriented 2018 and 2019 summits gave rise to numerous AI for Good projects including several standardisation initiatives of the ITU.
Today, several users are beginning to leverage the importance of AI, to execute their daily task. The youths are not left out on this as they are the larger user of this technology.
Shortfalls in AI usage
Asides the fact that this technology causes expensive implementation, a potential loss of human jobs, and a lack of creativity and emotion. it’s negative impact on youths is overwhelming.
There were concerns such as ; juvenile records in AI systems, to predict future criminal behaviour and recidivism. For example, in some places around the world, AI technology is being used to determine whether someone should be admitted to a university or receive a job interview.
If this technology is not programmed carefully to avoid prejudices, some people may be denied an opportunity. Or when facial recognition technology is used to fight crime, if it doesn’t work properly it can lead to innocent people being arrested.
Is AI Good or Bad?
Technology is rarely simply good or simply bad –it depends on who is creating it and for what purpose,
This means we need rules which can help maximize the good and minimize the bad outcomes. But who makes the rules? Do innovators and companies creating new technologies care about the rules? And what should happen to those who break the rules?.
This and more are some of what the government of each country must put into consideration, and tilt their policy towards that, to avoid mis use of the technology.
The UNICEF is currently working with governments and companies to help them create and improve rules that protect children’s rights.
The National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) an arm of NITDA is much aware of the use of AI, as the government have been investing on data use to carry out research works for national development.
Analysing Nigeria’s Artificial Intelligence Policy
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Ali Isa Pantami recently directed the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to develop a National Artificial Intelligence Policy (NAIP).
A statement signed by NITDA spokesman, Hadiza Umar, the development of the NAIP is envisaged to maximise the benefits, mitigate possible risks, and address some of the complexities attributed to using AI in our daily activities.
Umar said it would provide directions on how Nigeria could take advantage of AI, including the development, use, and adoption of AI to proactively facilitate the development of a sustainable digital economy.