New Artificial Intelligence that is Shaping 2021

Artificial intelligence is shaping the world. Learning how to defeat the coronavirus, automate cars, rollout robots are only some of the innovations that are changing the world. Increasing our dependence on medical innovations and customer service is driven by natural language systems became significantly more advanced. Quantum computing carries significance for AI since quantum computing can supercharge AI applications compared to binary-based classical computers.

What is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial Intelligence is the process of developing computers and robots capable of parsing data like a human being. Using machine learning, programmers can create methods that can teach machines how to rationalize, similar to the way humans think.  Actions like learning, logic, reasoning, perception, creativity can be replicated by technology and used in every industry. Artificial intelligence works by giving a machine the inputs and letting the device develop its path to achieve its set goal. This type of program allows computers to optimize a situation and streamlines processes.

The Trend in Healthcare

Within one year of the pandemic spread, Pfizer and Moderna, two healthcare companies, received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to release their COVID vaccines. It typically takes years, or decades, to develop a new vaccine. As early as March 2020, vaccine candidates to fight covid-19 were undertaking human tests, just a quarter after the first reported cases. The record speed of vaccine development was partly thanks to AI models. Computer models were evaluating all of the components of the COVID-19 virus. The analysis that AI models were considering was well beyond human abilities. There are tens of thousands of subcomponents to the outer proteins of a virus. Machine learning models can sort through this information and predict which subcomponents are the most likely to produce an immune response. The use of AI in vaccine development to fight the COVID-19 vaccine may revolutionize how all vaccines are created moving forward.

Share trading of Baidu rallied following the announcement in February that the company opened its LinearFold AI algorithm for scientific and medical teams. The outfit helps predict the secondary structure of the RNA sequence of a virus. LinearFold predicted the secondary structure of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA sequence in only 27 seconds, 120 times faster than other methods. The development of messenger RNA was the critical component of the vaccines. Instead of conventional approaches, which insert a small portion of a virus to trigger a human immune response, mRNA teaches cells how to make a protein that can prompt an immune response.

Automated Cars and Trucks

Fully automated driving continued to mature as companies continue testing driverless cars, trucks and opening up Robo-taxi services. Fully automatic driving, which enables rides without a human safety driver on board. The trucking business in many countries across the globe is a perfect testing ground for this artificial intelligence. Trucks on highways delivering from one destination to another present the perfect training ground. The day-to-day movement from different locations is removed, and highways are generally easier to navigate than city streets with pedestrians.

When it comes to cities, taxi services appear to be a good launching point.  Baidu initiated the Apollo Go Robotaxi service in Changsha, Cangzhou, and Beijing, becoming the first company in China to start Robo-taxi trial operations in multiple cities. Baidu's attempt at a Robo-taxi process will test the merits of AI systems and see if they can safely control a vehicle in complex road conditions and solve the majority of possible issues on the road, independent of a human driver.

Human Language Helps Customer Service

Customer service in the wake of the pandemic saw an accelerated use of human language AI. Natural language systems experienced significant advances in processing aspects of human language like sentiment and intent. Natural language models are powering more accurate search results and more sophisticated chatbots and virtual assistants, leading to better user experiences. Companies are now using AI bots and chats as the first defense line as call centers were moved off campus to homes. If these processes are successful, it will provide the backdrop for cost-effective ways to interact with customers.

The Bottom Line

Artificial intelligence increased by leaps and bounds in the last 12-months. The highlight appears to be the introduction of RNA messenger viruses when this was needed more than ever. The future of fighting viruses will likely follow this method, avoiding the need to inject a dead or live virus into a human. Any variation in a virus is likely to be mapped by AI software, providing a cut and paste method to deal directly with variants. Human language methods also came at the right time. The pandemic affected the working environment at a time when customer service made significant advances. Once there is some normalcy to the work and living environment, the move to automated cars and trucks will likely significantly advance, paving the way for additional artificial intelligence.