Page 12 - DCAP506_ARTIFICIAL_INTELLIGENCE

Artificial Intelligence

Notes text, symbols and logical calculus. Therefore, AI can be used for solving problems which do not
have exact solutions or where solutions can be only gained with an enormous effort, whereby it
can happen that false answers are tolerated which happens with human problem solving.
Another fundamental indication of the AI is the heuristic search. Generally in AI empiric rules
exist, called heuristics, to shorten the search as the number of possible solutions for complex
problems can be very high. Another aspect is the fact that traditional computer programs in
contrast to AI programs are very difficult to modify, because both the control and the expert
knowledge are integrated in the same system. Modifications made in a part of the program have
to be carefully examined on their influence and consequences in other parts of the program.

Notes AI programs, expert knowledge is used overlapping, between intelligence and
knowledge, where no correlation exists, it must be possible to use the knowledge for the
search. In this case it is common to divide the knowledge from the mechanism controlling
the search to make sure that modifications of the knowledge only require modifications
of the knowledge base.

Task Discuss the various advancements occurred during the evolution of artificial
intelligence.

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:

1. In 1956 ......................... regarded as the father of AI, organized a conference to draw the
talent and expertise of others interested in machine intelligence for a month of
brainstorming.
2. In 1957, the first version of a new program ......................... was tested.
3. Generally in AI empiric rules exist, called ........................., to shorten the search as the
number of possible solutions for complex problems can be very high.

1.2 Meaning of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is usually defined as the science of making computers do things that
require intelligence when done by humans. AI has had some success in limited, or simplified,
domains. However, the five decades since the inception of AI have brought only very slow
progress, and early optimism concerning the attainment of human-level intelligence has given
way to an appreciation of the profound difficulty of the problem.

1.2.1 What is Intelligence?

Quite simple human behaviour can be intelligent yet quite complex behaviour performed by
insects is unintelligent. What is the difference? Consider the behavior of the digger wasp, Sphex
ichneumoneus. When the female wasp brings food to her burrow, she deposits it on the threshold,
goes inside the burrow to check for intruders, and then if the coast is clear carries in the food. The
unintelligent nature of the wasp’s behavior is revealed if the watching experimenter moves the
food a few inches while the wasp is inside the burrow checking. On emerging, the wasp repeats
the whole procedure: she carries the food to the threshold once again, goes in to look around,

6 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY