Picture this. It's a Friday night, and you do not having anything planned for the evening, so you're up watching a late movie with a friend. As the storyline advances to a particularly sad scene, tears start streaming down your face. When you look to your right, your BF092, the latest in robot technology, is staring blankly at the screen trying to comprehend why you are reacting in such a manner.

Random, right? Well, in a few decades we may not be so far from such a situation. As scientists are working on the field of artificial intelligence, they are discovering how the human mind and body work, and applying this knowledge to form an 'artificial life'.

Defining artificial intelligence

The main principle behind artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of a computer to perform operations identical to learning and decision-making in human beings. Such knowledge not only applies to artificial intelligence, but to the duplication and imitation of human cells and the creation of artificial cells that function similarly.

Through this research, scientists hope to use this information to combat terminal illnesses and enhance human life.

Discovered in 1955 by scientist John McCarthy, artificial intelligence has progressed from its primitive form to a vast array of possibilities. The idea, which originally began as a few scribbled notes on paper, has transformed from a fantasy to a reality. Everyday we come across different forms of artificial intelligence, be it voice recognition software, video games, translation software, security systems, etc…

Common examples of AI

Abdullah Al Zarouni, professor of engineering at the UAE University, who later transferred to the education and technology department at the Dubai Silicon Oasis, has worked with various forms of artificial intelligence.

"There are many examples of artificial intelligence," he said. "For example, the multi-directional camera has similar functions as a human eye. AI is about trying to come as close as possible to the functionalities of a human being."

The human brain is the greatest machine ever conceived. Its capabilities are seemingly endless and astonishing.

"Multitasking is only one of the most remarkable things the human brain is capable of," Al Zarouni said. "When you are driving, you can speak, eat and think all at once and yet still avoid accidents. At times you reach your destination without recalling how you got there. This is the kind of multitasking scientists have been trying to achieve."

Storing human experiences and knowledge is yet another human ability scientists were able to duplicate. Through this innovation, all one's knowledge and experiences can live on for generations.

"Imagine you have all this experience in a certain field, then, when it's time for you to step down, all this knowledge will go down with you," said Al Zarouni. "Using an expert systems software, it is possible to create a carbon copy of your experiences and store them for later use by others."

This system is currently in use by hospitals to assist doctors when diagnosing patients.

"There are certain professions where being an expert literally depends on your experience and this software provides a great way to make use of it," Al Zarouni said.

Another trait of human intelligence that scientists are trying to imitate is fuzzy logic, making decisions with imprecise data.

"Reasoning is a human trait. At a temperature of 25 degrees celsius, a person may not be able to tell whether it's hot or cold…. It may be in between," said Al Zarouni. "Human perception and understanding do not depend on a binary system, which is what scientists want to achieve. They want to create a machine that can perform human logic."

Endless possibilities

Artificial intelligence not only involves robots, machines and computers. The root of AI involves the imitation and duplication of human cells. Such scientific endeavours lead to many other possibilities including cloning and genetic engineering.

Imagine a world where you can choose what traits your children will have, or create another version of yourself so that your existence can live on forever.

"Such aspects of AI are still very controversial, especially in this region of the world," said Rusol Tamimi, student at the American University of Sharjah (AUS). "Though it is quite extraordinary, people often jump into such missions without considering the consequences should things go terribly wrong."

This was a mutual consideration between most of the younger generation where "what if they take over" was the most persistent fear. AUS student Nada Ayesh used a comical example to illustrate the consequential possibilities.

"AI is fine as long as it is to make life simpler and easier for us to endure," she said. "However, dependence on it can lead to serious issues such as unemployment and the constant attempt to try to create a life form identical to that of a human being is just scary. Don't forget that the ultimate human characteristic is the capacity to learn, and if we have thinking, learning machines prowling about, they can easily learn how to take control. Take the movie I-Robot as an example."

Experts, however, said it might be awhile before we encounter a robotic revolution as the capacity for machines to think and learn for themselves is still in its infancy.

AI as a future field of study

Entering the field of artificial intelligence, however, cannot be done at the undergraduate level. Those interested in the field will need to get a bachelor's degree in computer science or computer engineering to gain the necessary technical background before pursuing a postgraduate study in AI.

"Those who are interested in the field can go into research," said Al Zarouni. "However 10 per cent of AI projects have been implemented while the rest are still on paper.

Computer software and hardware are not advanced enough." Al Zarouni added that this field still needs further development in the Middle East.

"We are users of technology, not providers, in this region," he said. "It would be difficult to find a job in this field unless you worked for universities conducting research or in companies pertaining to information technology. E-business and e-commerce may be another two fields to look into where artificial intelligence can be used."

However, to enter this field a student must have exceptional math, logic, software design and writing skills. If it is hardware that you are more interested in, then a background in electrical or electronics engineering is essential. If you prefer software, then a background in computer science and programme development is needed. Al Zarouni also emphasised the importance for scientists to be able to actually implement the science and innovations of artificial intelligence.

"Things on paper will soon be disregarded," he said. "To continue research, you will need funding and support."

The missing element

The next level of human intelligence scientists hope to achieve is emotion. However, as this human trait also affects other aspects of human behaviour and expression, it is a key component to the closest imitation of human life.

"This is a very difficult and complex process because many factors are taking place here," said Al Zarouni. "Scientists were able to achieve knowledge, but with emotional intelligence psychologists, neurologists, biologists and engineers need to work together to try to understand the human brain and how it controls other parts of the human body."

So though it may be awhile before your robotic friend will shed some tears while watching Jack die in Titanic, think about the possibilities when you're using your latest technological gadget at your convenience.

What students think of Artificial Intelligence...
— Compiled by Manal Ismail

"Artificial Intelligence is good, it makes the world a better place and easier to live in."
— Lawal A., commerce, University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD)

"It's good and bad. Technology can be used for the enhancement of human life and it can be misused to destroy it."
— Preethy Sahadevan, communication and media, Middlesex University

"It's an interesting topic, but if something unexpectedly goes wrong everything can be affected."
— Sa'ad Khan, accounting, Middlesex University

"AI can help society in the long run. For example, there's this Japanese robot that can help the disabled."
— Ali Ahmad, BBA, UOWD

"It has both its advantages and disadvantages. Many times accuracy is lost and malfunctioning can cause terrible consequences."
— Talha Fazal, BBA, UOWD

"It's pretty cool. Living in the 21st century, new technology is what everyone is looking forward to."
— Huma Jawed, BBA, UOWD

"AI lacks human intellect and originality; however, machines make our lives easier."
— Nadia Wazir, finance, UOWD

"I love video games and AI has definitely helped enhance the gaming industry and develop its future generation."
— Sumid Arora, marketing, UOWD

"AI does make life a lot easier, however depending on it could lead to numerous consequences like unemployment."
— Mohammad Nissar, business, UOWD

"Some areas of AI are still taboo in this part of the world. For example, where cloning is accepted in the West, it still doesn't fit in to the religious and cultural conditions in this part of the world."
— Saqib Syed, BBA, UOWD

"It would be cool if scientists find a technology that resembles total artificial intelligence like in the movie AI."
— Ahmad Barre, business, EHSAL European University College Brussels in Dubai

"It would be very useful if it was used worldwide with responsibility and to make life easier."
— Hashim Bakir, business, EHSAL

Have your say
Are you interested in Artificial Intelligence ? Would you study it? If yes, why? Write to us at education@gulfnews.com

By Manal Ismail and Reema Saffarini, Staff Reporter

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