Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is any system that uses a computer or software to replicate the idea of human intelligence. AI involves the development of computer programs and algorithms that can learn from and make decisions based on data, without the need for human intervention. Some of the tasks that AI performs include speech recognition, language translation , chatbots, text generation, and image and video analysis.
Image generated by a text prompt
This image was created with a text-to-image model. The model uses written text to produce an image matching the description.
The description provided to the model was, “An oil painting of artificial intelligence thinking about itself in the style of Picasso”.
The image was generated with DALL-E2 .
Types of artificial intelligence
There are two major types of AI: expert systems and machine learning.
Expert systems
An expert system uses AI to mimic the thinking of a human who has expertise in a particular area. At its core, an expert system is a very complicated flowchart made by a programmer. The computer follows the flowchart using if-then rules to make decisions. Those who operate expert systems can make them more proficient by patching (updating) the system.
Almost all video game AI uses the expert system method. The diagram below shows the kind of if-then flowchart a Minecraft creeper might use when approaching a player.
Expert system for a Minecraft creeper
This flowchart is an example of the way in which an expert system makes decisions via code.
A real-life example of an expert system is banking software in which a group of banking experts refine and distil their knowledge of fraud detection. The software has a high level of expertise and can detect fraud issues and respond to them more quickly than a human.
Machine learning
Machine learning describes any process where the computer figures out how to perform a task by itself. Simply explained, a machine (computer) has access to information and uses algorithms to find patterns, generate understanding and make decisions. This process is similar to learning to play Minecraft. A new player discovers that creepers explode when they get too close. After a few explosions, the player gains information and understanding about the creeper and makes the decision to avoid it while playing the game.
The way the machine is taught to perform a task is dependent on the problem the machine learning software is asked to solve. The most common examples are classification and regression. Classification is where the user inputs a particular type of information and receives a discrete output – for example, you’ve taken a photo of a plant and you want to know what it’s named or what species it is. On the other hand, regression produces a numerical output – for example, content recommendation algorithms that assign a value to how likely you are going to enjoy a video based on what the algorithm knows about you.
Artificial neural networks and deep learning
An artificial neural network is a mathematical system that is based on how we once thought the brain worked. Neural networks take in data, train themselves to recognise patterns within the data and then predict the outcome for similar data. Given it has enough training data, it is mathematically provable that a neural network can solve any classification or regression problem.
Deep learning involves the use of several neural networks. Deep learning algorithms have many layers of neurons and nodes – dozens or even hundreds of them. The many layers are referred to as the depth, which is how deep learning gets its name. The image below is a simplified model of an artificial neural network. The green dots represent layers of nodes.
Neural network diagram
This image shows the parts and the connections between the parts of a neural network. This is a simple neural network. In real life, neural networks often have billions of nodes per layer and hundreds of layers.
To put this all together in simple terms, deep learning, which uses neural networks, is a subset of machine learning, which is a subset of artificial intelligence.
Generative machine learning
Another type of machine learning is generative – where the aim is to generate a piece of data, like an image, from scratch. The primary method for creating an image is generative adversarial networks.
The process works by having two separate neural networks. One is trained to generate images while the other is trained to discriminate or tell the difference between generated images and training images. During training, the generative AI tries to fool the discriminator AI. The discriminator AI tries to tell the difference between a generated image and a training image. Both AIs train off each other until a realistic image is achieved. This type of training takes a lot of computer time given that millions of images are generated and tested. The end user has a different experience as they are only interested in generating one image, and this results in a much faster experience.
Generative learning is also used to create human-like text. Generative text models are trained using vast amounts of example text. Text generation software usually works by taking a piece of text and asking the question, “What is the next word that would be most appropriate?” This is used for predictive text with search engines and modern chatbots. Another example of generative learning is the generative pre-trained transformer (GPT) used by ChatGPT.
AI in our lives
Artificial intelligence has been decades in the making. It is positively transforming many aspects of our lives from healthcare to using maps to navigate foreign streets and translating languages to recommending movies we might like to watch. AI is also disruptive – educators are grappling with how to use platforms that generate realistic text. There are ethical concerns about bias within the training data and the fear that some jobs might disappear.
One thing we do know. AI is here to stay. In the words of Colin Angle, CEO of iRobot, “It’s going to be interesting to see how society deals with artificial intelligence, but it will definitely be cool.”
Related content
Learn about some of the implications of AI for te reo Māori in ChatGPT and Māori data sovereignty.
AI uses data – but what is data? These articles offer some simple explanations of this complex concept: Data about data and Data and how we use it.
This article contains a serie s of videos taken from a Bots vs Beings panel discussion. Experts discuss some of the implications of artificial intelligence (AI).
Citizen science projects often help to train AI to recognise images. Check out a few on the Hub:
Spyfish Aotearoa – discover, count and identify unique fish species that live within our marine reserves and help teach an artificial intelligence tool about fish in Aotearoa.
AI4Mars – teach Mars rovers (using machine learning) how to classify Martian terrain so they don’t get stuck.
Planet Four – identify and measure features on the surface of Mars that don’t exist on Earth.
Elephant ID – help ID African elephant ears to assist with conservation planning.
These resources explain how citizen science and AI are helping with conservation:
Invasive animals in cities (see the related case study and unit plan)
Digital technology in the classroom
The PLD webinar Digital tools for science learning introduces easy-to-use digital tools that can engage learners in real-time data collection.
Kiwrious Science Experience – fostering NoS in the classroom
Ethics thinking
The Connected article Emotional robots explores the development of machines (robots) that imitate human emotion and thought from a social and ethical perspective.
AI and generative learning have many positives and quite a few drawbacks. The Futures thinking toolkit can be customised to explore how changes in this technology may impact our lives and the lives of future generations.
Due to its ubiquitous nature, Minecraft is very helpful when explaining complex computing concepts. This article uses Minecraft to explain how global circulation climate models are built.
Useful links
What is AI for Kids? An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence for Kids has simple explanations and examples.
Watch 3Blue1Brown videos for a deeper dive into the maths underpinning neural networks and deep learning.
Explore the resources in the Artificial intelligence section on the Office of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor website.
Download from the Royal Society of New Zealand Te Apārangi Summary: The Age of Artificial Intelligence in Aotearoa . This 2019 report looks at what artificial intelligence is, how it is or could be used in New Zealand and the risks that need to be managed so that all New Zealanders can prosper in an AI world.
ChatGPT and other LLMs require significant input from humans and rely on our feedback to improve the technology. This article looks at LLMs from a sociological perspective.
In this episode from the Science on a Napkin video , listen to Dr Albert Yeap, a Professor of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at AUT University. He explains how he uses robots, called Albots, to understand how the mind computes tasks, such as language in children.
Acknowledgement
This article was written by Daniel Schipper. Daniel is completing a PhD at the Arctic University of Tromsø.
