Artificial intelligence (AI) is a concept which was first created and presented by John McCarthy in 1956. From then on this concept kept improving and transforming more and more into one of the most influential elements that reshaped whole industries and societies on a global scale. Artificial Intelligence (abbreviated as AI which is a sort of an inclusive branch of computer science) is intended to make machines that are able to think, understand and move especially in a way that goes beyond the best performance of human brain. Since more widespread AI deployment is a reality, the world is on the verge of a new industrial revolution that holds the potential to transform every aspect of what it means to be human.
The AI orientation starting from its beginnings till the present time is described by a series of meaningful milestones and accomplishments. At first, AI was imagined not only as a computer having capabilities of human intellects but as a machine that would copy the way human brain worked. Since the early days, scientists and researchers have constantly been improving their means such as algorithms and techniques to give the machines the capability to carry out the tasks that were meant for humans to do exclusively. One of the main missions of AI, or artificial intelligence, is to design system that may process and perform human instructions perfectly and never miss them at any time. This dream is actually coming true, they do exist now in the form of robots, which are frequently found almost in all the fields majorly where they are used in the manufacturing and healthcare sectors. Dr. Crouzwell’s prophetic prediction about the progress of AI research, driven by machines imitating the same intelligence that humans own within less than twenty years by 2030, brings to the forefront the rapid development of technology around this area. Eavesdropping AI capabilities that enable a mind-reader to electronically read human minds would pave the way for endless possibilities of language development, problem-solving, and understanding.
AI omnipresence is seen these days at all elements of modern life, influencing its fundamental infrastructure as we know it. Social net-working integrates AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants, which can understand natural language and engage with users, also offering them the opportunity of receiving personal advice and recommendations. AI technologies are highly instrumental in applications of content curation, tailored advertising, trend analysis and, consequently, in the effective functioning of such platforms. AI in entertainment and gaming has revolutionized the sphere by creating unique worlds through which the user can be immersed, as well as providing characters that come Alive. With AI-powered technologies emerging such as facial recognition, natural language processing, and machine learning, games immersion has been taken to the next level and involvement in the gameplay heightened.
However, at one hand, AI creates a future that transforms our lives at the speed of light, but on the other hand, if its use is not regulated, it can lead to ethical and societal concerns. Stephen Hawking, well-known physicist, fears possibility of unlimited evolution of AI; he thinks it might jeopardize human future unless we introduce proper rules as to its usage. With WEF’s report predicting the significant job displacement due to AI automation, it is inescapable to drawing attention to the imperative measures in order to curb this possible negative effect on employment. Even if AI has brought along some challenges on economic growth, arising opportunities initially can also be regarded. The AI driven trillion-dollar industry of the future exhorts the investors, entrepreneurs, researchers and policy makers to leverage the potential of AI for new job creation, productivity gains, and building an economically equitable and environmentally conscious environment.
Companies with their increasing number of the youth, and their expanding freelancing era, stand on the brink of revolutions in technology based on AI and allied studies of Pakistan. The government’s efforts to provide training and release young people to AI, data science, and other emerging technologies are a sign of the state’s understanding. NUST University’s breakthrough design of AI-controlled drone with diversified functionalities is the real world manifestation of Pakistan’s potential to improve society by harnessing revolutionizing technologies.
In view of the fast approaching 4IR technology which is AI-driven, countries will need to expect emerging technology alongside global challenges and inequality issues. AI finds itself at the heart of the convergence of other profoundly disruptive technologies such as 5G, blockchain, and the Internet of Things, which promises to reveal new horizons and possibilities in terms of innovation and productivity. The horizon of AI systems for different facets of human activity including health sector, agriculture, financial and education is expanding and in addition to the existing endless possibilities, it is providing new opportunities to better our life. Nevertheless, bringing the AI in its own is a hard task which needs to solve ethical, regulatory and societal concerns by developing collaboration and knowledge-sharing among actors.
In the era of huge transformation and social progress, we already face an age of technological revolution driven by artificial intelligence. AI has the potential, therefore, to be a catalyst for countries to move toward new sources of wealth, novelty measures, and human development. The national resource which Pakistan enjoys is the youthfulness of its population combined with innovativeness and entrepreneurial talents and these resources give the country a capacity to be the driver of the global AI innovation and entrepreneurship. Nonetheless, converting this potentiality to outcomes needs a systematic approach through funding educational development, infrastructure and research as well as establishing the platform which innovation can thrive and collaborative ideation is built. On the way to the AI-fly attended future, let us decide this technological revolution either as an optimistic or a catastrophic trend and move towards the better future for all, where prosperity, balance, and equality are the key words.
