The industrial revolution emerged in the 18th century and altered life for mankind. The computer age that came along in the 20th century did likewise. Now, artificial intelligence, an advanced technology that utilizes algorithms a sequence of actions that combines calculations, data processing and automated reasoning will allow computers to read, understand and analyze as the human mind does. Thus, America is poised to embark on an innovative boom of historic proportions that will transform our everyday life and make some alert investors very wealthy.

Ninety percent of all data produced and collected since the beginning of our time has been done in the last two years, and will be doubled (at the present rate) in the next five years. This incredible statement of facts is difficult to absorb even for the highly intelligent mind. The human brain has astonishing capability. Once our technologists are freed from the monotonous task of sorting out the billions of pages of data now published daily by computer software, our minds can focus on creative research such as medical science, financial analysis and robotics (to name only a few). Just recently, an automobile drove itself and four passengers through the Albany area for 6.1 miles in the first ever test of an autonomous vehicle in New York state.

Artificial intelligence will also enhance human productivity growth. The McKinsey Global Institute recently reported that almost half of all paid technology research work can be automated by AI. This would increase human productivity by .8 percent to 1.4 percent, compounded every year. This will give our country a substantial manpower economic boost.

Unfortunately, artificial intelligence has also empowered a cast of twisted minds, criminals and terrorists who are building a worldwide audience to promote their views. However, AI technologists are already busy creating algorithms that can sweep digital networks and automatically purge incorrect and extremist content.

Amy Hirsh Guarino, an expatriate from upstate New York (who happens to be my niece) has been living and working in Silicon Valley for many years now. Recently, she was recruited by Kyndi (kyndi.com), one of the leading companies in the growing field of artificial intelligence technologists. She is now chief operating officer and considered to be one of the top 100 women technologists in Silicon Valley.

The time is coming when humans can no longer keep up with the volume of reading in our modern age. We foresee a time when every technologist worker must be partnered with an artificial intelligence assistant, she told me during my interview with her. Next, Guarino explained digital forensics as understanding how and why something happens (the TV series "Forensic Files" is a dramatized example of digital forensics).

AI will be able to utilize all the current medical journal information plus medical reports and patient reports to tailor the diagnosis and treatment plans based on individual symptoms, genetics and patient history, Guarino said.

The key of artificial intelligence is being able to process lots of combinations of systems in real time, plus being aware of the latest research. AI will never replace doctors, but it will help them make the right decisions since the systems will be able to recall all known diseases, and, in theory, they dont have bias. With that said, doctors know their patients, and AI will help them provide a filter based on that knowledge.

America is entering a new age call it the information technology age where there will be wonderful opportunities among technologists, innovators and businessmen alike. The key to it all is education.

Harold Miller is a businessman and Auburn native. He can be reached at hmillermod@aol.com.

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Miller: Artificial intelligence a life-altering technology - Auburn Citizen