I am going to be informing you on the history of machine learning AI and what it can be used for. Firstly I will start by explaining what machine learning is. Machine learning is a type of AI (Artificial Intelligence) that is programmed to be able to learn and improve itself without having to be reprogrammed by the creator, this can be done through instructions inputted to the machine, from data given to the machine as well as from data gathered from the process itself. The 2 main types of machine learning Programs are Supervised and Unsupervised Algorithms. The supervised algorithm uses data given to the machine to try and predict future events based on the data it has. Unsupervised algorithms however don’t use pre-provided data, instead of trying to predict future events, it will look at all outcomes. You can also have semi supervised algorithms which are when machines are provided with some data so the machine has a set purpose but will then use this data to “train itself”. There is a fourth type of machine learning known as reinforcement machine learning algorithms which are when the machine interacts with the environment through actions learning through trial and error. [1]
The term Machine learning came from a man named Arthur Samuel who whilst working for IBM in 1952 created a program that can play checkers. Because of the time computers didn’t have much memory, he created a scoring system which would score different positions on the board and the machine would use this to decide on its next move. He also created a system for the machine to be able to record previous movements to alter the score and if it didn’t work and remember previous games. The more it plays, the more it would “learn” allowing the program to improve on itself. Although this is where the term machine learning first came from. It is possible that elements of machine learning had been used in things before this, but this is where the term for it was first used and after this everyone followed in calling it machine learning. [2]
Machine learning has lots of different uses over a large range of industries. It is often used for simulations of floods and other natural disasters as it can be used to predict damage and can help people design ways to minimise damages in places where flooding is common. Another way machine learning has been used is in gaming when OpenAI Five was created, OpenAI Five was a machine learning computer which taught itself how to play the competitive online game dota2 by playing 10,000 years’ worth of games against itself to then be put against a team of pro players where the program won. [3] Another way Machine learning is used would be in humanoid robots, machine learning is used with these to develop their language giving the ability to teach them how we talk through conversation with them, when they are unsure of something they can question the words/phrases and can learn from the answer to improve its own vocabulary similar to how we learn to speak as a child.
Because of the rate technology is improving it is difficult to predict how far we can go with machine learning as the limits we have are constantly improving. However, we are able to assume that it will be very useful as things like global warming are becoming more of an issue. Machine learning technology will be able to be used in predicting the impact it will have through simulations allowing people to use data from machines to try and come up with solutions.
Due to new technology and new hardware computers are getting much more powerful allowing machines to run calculations at a much faster rate. We will unlock a whole new potential for machine learning to be used for newer things that may not have been considered before due to the demand of the advanced programs.
Below under the bibliography we have a short video explain machine learning in a bit more detail.
Bibliography
[1]
Expert System, “What is Machine learning? A definition,” Expert System, [Online]. Available: https://expertsystem.com/machine-learning-definition/. [Accessed 02 03 2020].
[2]
K. D. Foote, “A brief History of Machine Learning,” Dataversity, 26 March 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.dataversity.net/a-brief-history-of-machine-learning/#. [Accessed 02 March 2020].
[3]
OpenAI, “OpenAI Five,” [Online]. Available: https://openai.com/projects/five/. [Accessed 02 March 2020].
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