Artificial Intelligence in Practical Applications

An authentic examination of the influence of artificial intelligence, which is advancing in several critical areas and benefiting humanity.

Wisdom is derived from experience, or so it is understood. However, with the emergence of AI (Artificial Intelligence), people are no longer required to exert as much cognitive effort and labor. The age of artificial intelligence is receiving the acknowledgment it merits. A recent Forbes analysis said that the worldwide AI software market is projected to attain USD 22.6 billion by 2025.

What is artificial intelligence? Machine learning refers to the capacity of a computer program, as well as a computer or robot, to do tasks typically associated with intelligent entities. For a machine to engage in reasoning, derive meaning, generalize, or learn from prior experiences.

The domain of artificial intelligence commenced in 1956 when John McCarthy, an American computer scientist, convened a workshop on AI at the Dartmouth Summer Research Project. McCarthy is acknowledged as the progenitor of artificial intelligence.

Currently, AI is not merely a concept but a functional instrument utilized across several industries. Its applications are varied, ranging from conserving labor hours to improving critical thinking skills. Let us explore some sectors leveraging the capabilities of artificial intelligence.

Artificial Intelligence Satellite Collision Prevention System

Artificial intelligence assists in space exploration by facilitating the detection of near-Earth asteroid collisions. Image: Inspired Pencil.

Space astronomers have created a catalog of more than 27,000 asteroids in our solar system that were previously overlooked in telescopic images. This extraordinary achievement is attributed to an advanced AI-driven program. The researchers responsible for this finding claim that the technology facilitates the identification and monitoring of millions of asteroids, including those that may pose a threat to Earth. Years of prior notification would be necessary for the globe to attempt to redirect these possibly deadly asteroids from our planet.

Over the past 200 years, astronomers have documented more than 1.3 million of these rocky fragments. The majority of recently identified asteroids are situated in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. None of these "near-Earth asteroids" are on a collision course with our planet.

A report from Space.com in early May 2024 indicated that the latest study reward was discovered in roughly five weeks and comprised over 150 space pebbles whose orbits intersect with Earth's orbit. Others are Trojans, orbiting the sun in conjunction with Jupiter's trajectory. The Minor Planet Center of the International Astronomical Union, the authoritative body for asteroid discoveries, has not yet received or sanctioned observations of these asteroids.

Astronomers traditionally search for new asteroids by systematically scrutinizing designated regions of the sky through telescope images captured multiple times each night, usually at intervals of a few hours. The background stars, planets, and galaxies remain unchanged between images, however asteroids are recognized as discernible moving points of light that are annotated and verified. The orbits of these asteroids are subsequently estimated and monitored.

Artificial intelligence is heralded as a transformative force in space science research, particularly with asteroid crashes. Image: cdn.newstube.kr

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a transformative force in space science. In recent years, it has transformed asteroid monitoring and management by utilizing its capacity to analyze extensive data and discern trends. Conventional methods, however efficient, are constrained by the vast amount of data and the requirement for ongoing surveillance. Nonetheless, AI surmounts these obstacles by automating data analysis, precisely forecasting asteroid paths, and delivering real-time notifications for potential hazards.

Artificial intelligence is becoming essential for the surveillance and management of asteroids. This novel technical capability enables humans to identify, monitor, and alleviate the hazards posed by these celestial bodies. The application of AI in asteroid monitoring has become essential for safeguarding our planet from future cosmic impacts that may have severe consequences. The capability of AI to convert raw data into actionable insights via specialized algorithms for efficiently managing enormous datasets eliminates the need for people to manually analyze vast amounts of information to detect potential asteroid strikes and their trajectories. Consequently, AI can assist scientists in identifying which items or anomalies necessitate enhanced scrutiny. This technological capability can augment our comprehension of cosmic collisions and markedly improve our capacity to forecast trajectories and identify potential hazards. We have advanced to AI-driven data processing and analysis to enhance productivity and proactivity in our continuous asteroid monitoring.

Simon Gwozdz, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Equatorial Space. Image: Equatorial Region of Space.

Simon Gwozdz, founder and CEO of Equatorial Space, a company specializing in non-explosive, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable rocket systems for space launch applications, states, “AI holds significant potential for space applications due to the vast volume of data in our sector — from monitoring and forecasting possible collisions among thousands of satellites to optimizing stage dimensions for launch vehicles — all iterative processes are well-suited for enhancement through Machine Learning systems in the forthcoming years.”

Spatial Design

Artificial intelligence can assist in spatial renderings by enhancing mood, lighting, and texture. Illustration: SketchUp.

SketchUp is well-acquainted with interior design (ID) and architecture. Utilizing AI, SketchUp now presents SketchUp Diffusion, enabling users to generate rendered pictures instantaneously. Architects and interior designers struggle to communicate efficiently with clients regarding their projects, as rendering requires substantial labor hours. Consequently, SketchUp employs artificial intelligence to generate limitless design options for inventive solutions.

SketchUp Diffusion unleashes your creativity, commencing with a straightforward text question and model. You may easily create photorealistic or stylized photos that effectively convey your own concepts. The era of 'design block' is concluded, as one can now obtain inspiration by only articulating the desired image. The AI slider allows you to determine the impact of your prompts and the fidelity of your model to the generated images, enabling you to realize your vision.

The capability of AI to generate 3D models of furniture and lighting is assisting numerous designers. Illustration: SketchUp.

Designers can enhance the context of lighting, finishes, and materiality to alter the aesthetic and ambiance of the project. It also provides the end user with the capability to make improved decisions through 3D modeling, fast visualization, idea development, and collaborative tools.

A house transforms into a home only upon being furnished. SketchUp 3D Warehouse provides access to a plethora of authentic famous furniture and lighting items with only a few clicks. This comprehensive resource provides complimentary 3D models. The AI-powered search functionality accelerates your sourcing process; simply upload any image into the 3D warehouse search bar and allow the search engine to operate effectively. It incorporates authentic textures and pre-fabricated items into your SketchUp project.

Healthcare Utilizing AI Robotics and Nursing

Robots equipped with artificial intelligence can perform surgical procedures. Image: Analytical Insight.

Do not underestimate the efficacy of robots in healthcare. A Forbes article indicates that the healthcare sector is projected to allocate approximately USD 40 billion into AI-assisted robotic surgery. Robots can guide a surgeon's instrument during surgery by analyzing data from preoperative medical records, thereby decreasing a patient's hospital stay by up to 21%. Robot-assisted operations, classified as "minimally invasive" surgery, alleviate patients from the necessity of recovering from extensive incisions. Robots can acquire new surgical techniques by analyzing data from prior operations via artificial intelligence. The favorable results are promising. A study of 379 orthopaedic patients revealed that AI-assisted robotic treatment led to a fivefold reduction in complications compared to physicians operating independently. For the first time, a robot aided in an ocular procedure. The Da Vinci, the most advanced surgical robot, provides clinicians with enhanced control over complex procedures compared to conventional techniques. Heartlander, a little robot that creates a minor incision in the chest to map and address the heart's surface, assists cardiac surgeons.

Virtual nurses may supplant human nurses in the future due to improvements in artificial intelligence. Image: Algantic.

Virtual nursing assistants might potentially reduce healthcare costs by USD 20 billion each year by facilitating communication with patients and directing them to optimal care settings. Virtual nurses can oversee patients, promptly address inquiries, and provide 24/7 availability. To prevent hospital readmissions or unnecessary hospital visits, the majority of contemporary virtual nursing assistant applications facilitate more frequent communication between patients and healthcare professionals between office appointments. The AI and voice-activated virtual nurse assistant from Care Angel is capable of conducting wellness assessments.