Artificial Intelligence (ai) Applications in India

INTRODUCTION

Artificial Intelligence (AI), in simple words, is a term for simulated intelligence in machines. These machines are programmed to "think" human thoughts and mimic human actions. The most unique aspect of artificial intelligence is its ability to rationalize and take actions that have the best chance of achieving a specific goal. Artificial intelligence is based around the idea that human intelligence can be defined in such terms, that a machine can mimic it. The goals of artificial intelligence include learning, reasoning and perception, and machines are wired using a cross-disciplinary approach based in mathematics, computer science, linguistics, psychology and more.

In this journal of articles, we will see how AI is being used today in various spheres, namely Weaponry, Hospitality and Aviation. Along with AI and its implementation in these diverse sectors, we will see how AI is interacting with a variety of other systems, such as unmanned stealth technology in warfare and the ethics involved ( Project Maven and Google), AI partnered with database management systems, virtual assistants, smart wearables as well as Internet of Things applications (Oyo Acquires AblePlus) and AI interaction with blockchain, decision support systems and management information systems.

AI is permeating into all industries and sectors, and eventually all systems and processes will have an AI aspect which is streamlining and improving their systems. Given below are a few instances.

PROJECT MAVEN AND GOOGLE

Summary:

Project Maven is an initiative started by the USA’s Department of Defence. The primary idea behind it, was tapping into artificial intelligence technology already available in the private sector. For example, using the same technology which was used for distinguishing cats and cars, could be used for identifying objects of military interest, such as buildings, vehicles and people. This would significantly reduce the time spent analysing data looking for group patterns and behaviour, as well as tracking suspects. Project Maven’s pilot mission was a simple one- processing drone videos. The motive was to identify possible ISIS targets in the videos using an unmanned drone.The algorithms used to train these drones came from a number of companies based in Silicon Valley, including Google. Google downplayed its role in the project. The precise role they played in the Project is unclear, neither the DoD or the search engine will say anything. However, what is known with complete certainty, is that Google’s open source programme- TensorFlow was being used. According to its creator, TensorFlow is just machine learning software, used to train algorithms on unclassified drone imagery and is restricted to non-offensive uses.

Analysis:

Weaponising AI is like a double edged sword- it has as many risks, as it does have security aspects. Optimistically speaking, Maven is a breakthrough- it is starting avenues into an unexplored market, strengthening security and they have taken the war against terrorism to the next level- all while using the technology at hand, not something created specifically for this purpose. On the other hand, the objectivity of the AI will depend completely on the individual feeding the algorithms into it. If the person is biased, the result has the potential to do unprecedented damage. It does not give hard proof that the person being targeted is the suspect- the measure of collateral damage is extensive. The matter of an individual’s Right to Privacy comes into play as well.AI is steadily gaining momentum in permeating core aspects of our life, here this is exemplified in how it is being implemented in defence, and it raises the question of how it can be implemented in the Indian scenario

OYO ACQUIRES ABLEPLUS

Summary:

Hospitality firm OYO said that they acquired an Internet-of-Things (IoT) company, based in Mumbai, called AblePlus. This move was taken to fortify and enhance their technology portfolio. Financial details involved were not disclosed.

The purpose of this acquisition was to create a sustainable management information-ecosystem, powered by technology and artificial intelligence (A.I) for managing hotels and properties, ultimately giving them a very strong competitive edge.

Anil Goel, OYO’s Chief Technology Officer, said that the introduction of IoT and A.I. in the most basic levels of hotel management would allow them to enhance customer as well as partner experiences. The functional boost which the AblePlus acquisition is expected to give to produce improved operational efficiency, therefore creating a superior experience for all stakeholders.

Analysis:

India, being a country that has immense scope to expand in the tourism sector, can only benefit from using technology in hotels. With more and more individuals using smart assistants like Siri, Alexa and Echo; as well as digital fitness wear like FitBit and GoogleFit, getting relevant information about guests has never been easier. For example, many Europeans visiting India find it difficult to adjust to the high temperature and humidity present. Equipped with information like their pulse rate, temperature and distance covered, hotel staff will be able to provided personalised service to a high degree- ensuring guest loyalty and ultimately, greater market share and more revenue. This is just one example of using A.I and IoT to drive operations in hotels- the scope is vast.

Over here, with its usage in hospitality, we see how AI has the capability to access and use personal real time information to improve services provided by hotels- yet another instance of how it is branching into more and more sectors.

BOEING LAUNCHES BOEING NEXT AND REVEALS INVESTMENT IN AI AND BLOCKCHAIN

Summary:

Boeing recently announced their collaboration with Artificial Intelligence (AI) provider SparkCognition. The purpose of this collaboration is to ‘deliver unmanned aircraft system traffic management solutions’ (UTMs). AI and blockchain will be used to track unmanned air vehicles in flight and allocate air traffic corridors and routes to ensure safe transport. It