Introduction
In this article, we will have a detailed listing of AI Services supported and provided by Microsoft.
Background
In April 2019, I got an opportunity to speak at Global Azure Bootcamp in Doha, Qatar. It w my first international stage and my targetted audience are from Doha, Qatar. So, I thought of writing an article on the same topic which I delivered a session which would be more informative to those who are interested.
What of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence is a branch of computer science that aims to create intelligent machines, in simple terms, Human Intelligence processed by Machines, specifically computers.
AI Categories
AI can be categorized as either weak and strong. Weak AI is AI systems that are specifically designed and trained for a particular task. A good example is personal assistants, such as Apple's Siri, Google Assistance, Microsoft Cortana, Amazon's Alexa are a form of Weak AI.
Strong AI a system with generalized human cognitive abilities. These AI's will find solutions without Human Intervention for Unfamiliar tasks.
AI Service providers
Artificial Intelligence as a Service (AIaaS) - Since the hardware and software cost are very expensive, many AI vendors are available in the industry, like Microsoft Cognitive Services, Amazon AI, IBM Watson, and Google AI to provide services to us.
Types of artificial intelligence
AI can be categorized into four types, as follows:
Type 1
Reactive machines. An example is Deep Blue, It can identify pieces on the chessboard and make predictions.
Type 2
Limited memory. These AI systems can use past experiences to inform future decisions. Eg: Self Driving Car.
Type 3
Theory of mind. This psychology term refers to the understanding that others have their own beliefs, desires, and intentions that impact the decisions they make. This kind of AI does not yet exist.
Type 4
Self-awareness. In this category, AI systems have a sense of self, have consciousness. This type of AI does not yet exist.
Examples of AI technology
AI is incorporated into a variety of different types of technology. Here are seven examples.
Automation
What makes a system or process function automatically. For example, robotic process automation (RPA) can be programmed to perform high-volume, repeatable tasks that humans normally performed. RPA is different from IT automation in that it can adapt to changing circumstances.
Machine learning
The science of getting a computer to act without programming. In very simple terms, can be thought of as the automation of predictive analytics.
There are three types of machine learning algorithms,
- Supervised learning
Data sets are labeled so that patterns can be detected and used to label new data sets
- Unsupervised learning
Data sets aren't labeled and are sorted according to similarities or differences
- Reinforcement learning
Data sets aren't labeled but, after performing an action or several actions, the AI system is given feedback
Machine vision
The science of allowing computers to see. This technology captures and analyzes visual information using a camera, analog-to-digital conversion, and digital signal processing. It is often compared to human eyesight, but machine vision isn't bound by biology and can be programmed to see through walls, for example. It is used in a range of applications from signature identification to medical image analysis. Computer vision, which is focused on machine-based image processing, is often conflated with machine vision.
Natural language processing (NLP)
The processing of human -- and not a computer -- language by a computer program. One of the older and best-known examples of NLP is spam detection, which looks at the subject line and the text of an email and decides if it's junk. Current approaches to NLP are based on machine learning. NLP tasks include text translation, sentiment analysis, and speech recognition.
Robotics
A field of engineering focused on the design and manufacturing of robots. Robots are often used to perform tasks that are difficult for humans to perform or perform consistently. They are used in assembly lines for car production or by NASA to move large objects in space. Researchers are also using machine learning to build robots that can interact in social settings.
Self-driving cars
These use a combination of computer vision, image recognition, and deep learning to build automated skill at piloting a vehicle while staying in a given lane and avoiding unexpected obstructions, such as pedestrians.
AI applications
Artificial intelligence has made its way into a number of areas. Here are six examples.
AI in healthcare
The biggest bets are on improving patient outcomes and reducing costs. Companies are applying machine learning to make better and faster diagnoses than humans. One of the best-known healthcare technologies is IBM Watson.
AI in business
Robotic process automation is being applied to highly repetitive tasks normally performed by humans. Automation of job positions has also become a talking point among academics and IT analysts.
AI in education
AI can automate grading, giving educators more time. AI can assess students and adapt to their needs, helping them work at their own pace. AI tutors can provide additional support to students, ensuring they stay on track. AI could change where and how students learn, perhaps even replacing some teachers.
AI in finance
AI in personal finance applications, such as Mint or Turbo Tax, is disrupting financial institutions. Applications such as these collect personal data and provide financial advice.
AI in law
The discovery process, sifting through documents, in law is often overwhelming for humans. Automating this process is a more efficient use of time.
AI in manufacturing
This is an area that has been at the forefront of incorporating robots into the workflow. Industrial robots used to perform single tasks and were separated from human workers, but as technology advanced that changed.
Viknaraj ManogararajahPosted Jul 10, 2019, 6:49 PM
Superb article
Niloshima SrivastavaPosted Jul 4, 2019, 3:17 AM
A good read. crisp and concise, but with all the relevant info
Khaja MoizuddinPosted Jul 3, 2019, 11:44 AM
Great job sundar, good to see article on some new technology.