Written by Theresa McCoy
On March 12, 2019, Dr. Hai T. Ho, PhD, professor and Head of Computer Engineering Department at Kennesaw State University, was the featured speaker at the Architecture Engineering & Construction (AEC) Forum. 
Dr. Ho described how Artificial Intelligence enables machines to “think” and act (rationally) like humans with capabilities such as speech processing, image perception and “thinking” (i.e. learn, process and make decisions). He shared some current examples of these capabilities, which included a robot learning to do a backflip on its own, chatbots that sound and react like a human being and even a Sony AIBO robot dog that responds to touch and “builds a relationship” with people like a pet owner. Other more prominent examples include image processing that is used in autonomous or “driver-less” cars. Dr. Ho also pointed out that when you click “like” or “comment” on websites, often you are contributing information gathering that is used for AI!
In a deeper dive, Dr. Ho briefly discussed how machines learn as this is the underpinning of AI. He also shared how neural networks are the backbone for AI input. For example, programmers and engineers provide the input and mathematical algorithms are created to mimic the brain based on a mathematical function. Thus, it’s critical to figure out the right “architecture” for the neural network or machine learning in order to produce the desired output.
Applications for AI span many forms including smart devices, farming (i.e. to sort produce), the creation of art such as paintings, medical diagnosis, lip reading and many more. In the age of technology, AI is interesting,compelling and,yes, evenintimidating. Whether you take an optimistic or pessimistic view, there are certainly many interesting AI developments and applications that will impact everyone in some way, shape or form both now and in the future.
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