Scientists: Maybe intelligence isn’t the end goal of AI

The field of Artificial Intelligence is still one of the faster-growing aspects of technological development. AI is showing up all over the place, driving robots that replace some human workers and allowing for breakthroughs in everything from DNA research to online security. But ever since this technology picked up a head of steam in terms of real-world applications, one question has always lurked in the background. When will AI actually be “intelligent” in the same way that the human brain operates? (Or at least some human brains these days, anyway.) Will we ever make the leap from what is essentially just an unbelievably fast computer to a machine capable of original thought, known as general artificial intelligence or super artificial intelligence? That still hasn’t happened, at least that we know of. But one group of researchers appears to be signaling that we may not need to get there. The new hot fad in this field is “industrial AI.” And the focus isn’t on developing some sort of artificial consciousness. It may simply be good enough if it can solve lots of problems faster than we can. This focus is being described as shifting our attention “from intelligence to achievement.” (ZD Net)Read More