Artificial Intelligence: Enhancing Life in the 21st Century

Emerging Technologies
Artificial Intelligence

The term Artificial Intelligence was first coined in 1956 by John McCarthy. Artificial
Intelligence (AI) is the technology of empowering machines and enhancing them to such a
point that they would be able to think, act and respond in a similar manner as a human being
would. Scientists would perhaps say that artificial intelligence is the attempt to create
artificial life by way of enhancing computer capabilities to match those of humans. Today, AI
has been introduced to many aspects of life development such as computer programming,
gene programming, image recognition, vision systems, logistic programming and many more.
AI aims to get as close to human functionalities as possible so that machines and robotics are
given the ability to perform certain jobs that require specific, detailed instructions and
decision-making capabilities [1].
The rationale behind artificial intelligence is that it holds the crucial key to enhancing
life in the 21st century and years after that. It is projected that in the not very far future one
may be sitting down and enjoying a movie with the robot and actually shedding tears
together. It may be unfathomable, yet scientists did not even dare imagine computers
understanding the human speech, or actions but today speech aiding programs are widely
used, instructions can now be issued to machines verbally and leave them to the task. It is not
an impossibility as the scientists promise us. A lot of research and work has been put in the
study of the brain and body functions of the human being so that the same can be replicated
into robots and other computer-aided devices [2]. However, as we share the optimism held by
scientists as regards artificial intelligence, it is not without question, for example, How Can
Artificial Intelligence Enhance Life In The 21st Century? Are There Any Drawbacks? If So,

What Are They, And How Can They Be Overcome? These questions shall form the basis of
this paper in a bid to understand artificial intelligence in a deeper way.
Humanity’s strong desire to have heightened efficiency coupled with a short period of
undertaking any venture has prompted the man to embark on intensive research intended to
come up with appropriate machines [3].These encompass robots and other similar machines
whose behavior ought to mimic that of a reasoning person in quest of undertaking complex
and even challenging tasks in the industrial sector. However, the possibility of devising
machines, which are capable of reasoning like human beings raises numerous and varied
ethical issues. These include aspects relating to the safety of real human beings such that they
will not pose risks and moral status of the devised machines in reasoning as well as expected
of the person undertaking a given certain task [4]. In this case, Artificial Intelligence (AI),
especially in the field of machines, focuses on imparting devices relevant ethical principles or
certain procedures that will enable them to discover as well as resolve dilemmas, which they
might experience while undertaking their respective tasks. Hence, making them behave or
function ethically with the aid of their complex programmed decision-making processes.
Artificial intelligence can be used to enhance life in the 21st century in a number of ways. One
outstanding application of artificial intelligence is in the field of security more specifically in
image recognition [5].
Security systems that are able to identify each individual's identity just by scanning
through fingerprints or facial features is a clear example of the applicability of artificial
intelligence. Another application of artificial intelligence in the area of developing devices
and programs used to aid handicapped individuals. This is especially true for Teaching
programs, reading and writing computer aids that are able to adapt to its users and provide
them with what they exactly need. Replication of sight and comprehension ability of human