Although they’re often confused, AI (Artificial Intelligence) and AR (Augmented Reality) are two different concepts, despite their technological relationship and potential for interaction. This week, I’ve done a little bit of research to make it easy for all of us to understand their difference, as well as the pros and cons of these technologies.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence processed by machines, particularly computer systems. It involves creating algorithms and models that allow computers to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as problem-solving, decision-making, language understanding, learning, and perception such as the super popular ChatGPT. AI systems can analyse data, recognise patterns, make predictions, and adapt their behaviour based on the information they receive. AI is divided into two main categories:
- Narrow/Weak AI: This type of AI is designed to perform specific tasks within a predefined set of boundaries. It excels at its designated task and is commonly used in virtual personal assistants like Siri and Alexa, recommendation systems on streaming platforms, and image recognition software.
- General/Strong AI: In contrast, this type of AI is a more advanced form that has the ability to comprehend, learn, and apply knowledge across a wide range of tasks, similar to human intelligence. If achieved, Strong AI would have the capacity for reasoning, problem-solving, and general understanding beyond specialized tasks.
Augmented Reality (AR)
AR refers to the process of layering digital media, such as videos, images, or 3D models, over the real world in real time. This is generally achieved through devices like smartphones, smart glasses, tablets, or headsets. The primary purpose of AR is to enrich a user’s perception of reality by adding computer-generated components to their view. These elements can be interactive and provide users with additional context, information, or experiences. You probably would have heard of Virtual Reality (VR) too, which immerses users in a simulated environment. AR, on the other hand, blends the digital and physical worlds together.
At its core, AI is centred around creating intelligent systems that can make decisions and perform certain tasks, while AR is geared towards enhancing the real world by layering digital information onto it.
However, there is a potential for AI and AR to intersect, as AI can enhance the capabilities of AR systems. For instance, AI can recognise and interpret objects in the real world, providing relevant information or interactions through an AR interface.
about ai
Nowadays, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are ubiquitous. However, the concept behind them has existed for quite some time. The first known example of AI was an automated checkers bot, developed in 1951 by Christopher Strachey of the University of Manchester, England.
AI has come a long way since then, and we’re beginning to see it applied across a range of fields.
Some of the most popular applications of AI include autonomous vehicles, facial recognition software, and virtual assistants like Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s Siri. Additionally, industrial sectors, including farming, gaming, and healthcare, are also implementing AI.
Despite the many advantages of AI, there are also potential drawbacks.
With increasing use and constantly improving algorithms, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of AI. Is it an asset, a liability, or something in between?
the pros
There’s no denying there are a lot of benefits to using AI. There’s a reason it’s becoming so popular, and that’s because this technology in many ways makes our lives better and/or easier.
- Fewer errors: Humans make mistakes when tired or distracted, which can lead to errors that can be costly in some cases. AI, on the other hand, can run non-stop without needing a break, making fewer errors and increasing safety.
- 24/7 uptime: Since AI algorithms can run continuously, they can perform repetitive tasks more effectively than humans, leading to less downtime and higher productivity.
- Fast data analysis: Analysing large datasets can take humans days or even weeks, while AI algorithms can do it in minutes. This capability is particularly useful in fields like investment management, where large amounts of data need to be analyzed to make informed decisions.
Overall, AI is a powerful tool that can help businesses improve efficiency, reduce errors, and make better decisions based on data.
the cons
But it’s not all roses. Obviously, there are certain downsides to using AI and machine learning to complete tasks rather than us humans. It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t look to use AI, but it’s important that we understand its limitations so that we can implement it in the right way.
But it’s not all roses. Obviously, there are certain downsides to using AI and machine learning to complete tasks rather than us humans. It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t look to use AI, but it’s important that we understand its limitations so that we can implement it in the right way.
- Lacks Creativity: AI bases its decisions on past data, making it less suited to coming up with innovative solutions to new problems. It’s more suitable for repetitive tasks, while humans are better suited to developing new ideas and strategies.
- Reduces Employment: AI can replace dangerous and repetitive work, freeing up human workers for more fulfilling jobs that require creativity. However, it can also replace jobs entirely, leading to job losses everywhere in the world. Of course, this doesn’t necessarily apply to all manual workers.
- Ethical Dilemmas: AI makes decisions based on preset parameters, leaving little room for nuance or emotion. This makes it difficult to incorporate ethics and morality into an algorithm! It can lead to potential bias within the AI itself. For example, in an autonomous vehicle situation, where it must choose between driving off a cliff or hitting a pedestrian, the decision will be based on the algorithm’s programming, leading to ethical dilemmas.
About AR
Augmented reality technology combines the virtual and real worlds, allowing us to interact with reality in a more enriched way through computer-generated layers. This technology has been widely used in various fields, such as driving and sports, and creates a new world by merging the real and digital. By integrating digital elements such as graphics, haptic feedback and audio, users can have an immersive and interactive experience through AR technology.
For instance, Pokemon GO, launched in 2016, used AR technology to blend real-world perception with digital worlds. This app became a hit among users and inspired several businesses to develop apps with AR features. This technology is advantageous for businesses as it can improve growth and simplify lives.
However, despite the numerous benefits, there are some downsides to AR technology that cannot be overlooked. In the chapter below, I explore both the advantages and disadvantages of augmented reality to help you better understand this revolutionary technology.
the pros
- Enhanced Experience: Augmented reality combines the virtual and real world to enhance the user’s experience by intersecting it with simulated images. Applications with AR technology provide cooperative triangulation, enhanced gaming, and other forms of augmented reality.
- Ease of Use: The creation of AR apps for Android and iOS systems has affirmed the latest online and offline shopping experiences. Digital dressing rooms can assist consumers in getting the correct size, decreasing the number of returns. It can also help with the colour of new cars or furniture within one’s residence. In fact, merchants can create custom augmented reality apps that are customized to their products to deliver an improved experience to their customers as needed.
- Social Interaction: AR aims to create technology that puts people together in a social manner. For instance, Pokemon Go is a typical illustration of the AR technology in play. By articulating players socially, the game has helped improve society by requiring players to leave their houses and interact with other players, which has been found to abet players suffering from stress, anxiety, or depression.
- Learning and Practice: With augmented reality, learning new things and practising skills have been simplified. An engineering student can more easily learn and examine the engine of a virtual car in augmented reality than in reality.
- Improved Technology: AR technology has drastically increased the reach of devices such as smartphones. Nowadays, many smartphone applications are accustomed to AR such as filters on the camera app, concurrent text converters, communicating maps with detailed topography, and real-time navigation road information. These added features are possible due to AR, which continuously improves human interaction with computerised devices.
the cons
While AR technology has many benefits, there are also several drawbacks to consider.
- It’s expensive: AR technologies require significant investment, including both financial resources and expertise. This can make it prohibitive for many businesses, limiting adoption to only a handful of large organisations.
- Privacy Concerns: The capture, analysis, and storage of significant data sets can raise questions of confidentiality. Additionally, some AR systems capture real-time surroundings, which can raise legal issues around privacy and consent.
- Potential for Accidents: Games like Pokémon Go have demonstrated the drawbacks of AR. By overlaying digital elements in the real world, AR can obscure important signals that would otherwise help users avoid accidents. In fact, as per the Pokémon Go Death Tracker, there have been 22 deaths and 61 injuries between 2016 and 2020 just because of this game.
- Addiction: Similar to other video games, AR has the potential to become addictive, leading to a range of health issues such as eye problems, obesity, lack of concentration, and chronic pain.
- Psychological Effects: Many violent games associated with war or crime contain disturbing elements that can affect players’ attitudes. This can have a psychological impact, especially on younger generations, leading them to believe that violent actions in society are acceptable.
conclusion
The advancement of technology has positively impacted various sectors, making people’s lives simpler. Augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI), for instance, are highly advanced systems that enable people to learn new things, interact with others, and simplify daily tasks. However, the misuse of these technologies can lead to negative outcomes, as mentioned above in ‘the cons’ lists. Although AI has become ubiquitous, not everyone has access to AR; however, this is likely to change as it becomes more widely available over time. Despite all the downsides of these technological advancements, if utilised in a productive way, they can lead to a better future where computers and humanity work together.
As the UK prepares to host the first global summit on AI safety later this year, I personally can’t wait to see what guidelines are put in place to regulate the use and misuse of this technology.