Artificial Intelligence News & Update: AI Investment Continues To Grow

There is no doubt that artificial intelligence (AI) plays a huge role in technology, education and research. AI is complex, but it is more efficient and reliable than humans when it comes to the workforce because it is fast and it doesn't get tired. According to new reports, AI investment continues to grow.

Artificial Intelligence from Science Fiction To the Industry

Most of the things we see about AI springs from science fiction movies. However, AI has already crossed the boundaries from the big screens to the industry. You can now see AI operating in major factory floors, cognitive technology and even in medicine.

According to CRN, investment in AI has skyrocketed in the past years with over $3 billion in VC funds investing in cognitive technologies from 2011 to 2015. In fact, during that time, over 100 AI companies merged or were acquired by Alphabet, IBM, Facebook, Amazon and Google.

Aside from this Parent Herald previously reported that the Obama administration is also planning to use more AI and machine learning in improving government services. The White House announced that they would use AI-driven system on programs and delivery of services related to the urban system, smart cities, mental and physical health, social welfare, criminal justice, environment and more.

Is AI A Threat To Humanity?

AI is very promising when it comes to innovations. However, many fears AI because of its potential to replace humans in the workforce. In a separate report from Parent Herald, middle and working class may face job displacement due to AI.

However, Stephen Hawking suggested that we should not fear AI or robots, but capitalism. "Everyone can enjoy a life of luxurious leisure if the machine-produced wealth is shared, or most people can end up miserably poor if the machine-owners successfully lobby against wealth redistribution," Hawking said per Huffington Post.

If machine owners will rule in the new era, the corporations they own won't be providing jobs to actual humans. So, this depends on the distribution because AI is not intended to replace humans in the workforce.

Are you happy with the growth of AI investment or are you afraid that it will invade the workforce and replace humans? Do you agree with Stephen Hawking that we should not fear AI but capitalism? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.