Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of a computer to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings, such as the ability to reason, discover meaning, generalize, or learn from past experience. AI is now used in limited applications such as medical diagnosis, computer search engines, and voice or handwriting recognition. AI has the potential to transform every sector of our economy and society by powering the information economy, fostering better informed decisions and helping unlock answers to questions that are currently unanswerable. AI research and programming focuses on three cognitive skills: learning – using algorithms to provide computers with step-by-step instructions for how to complete a specific task; reasoning - choosing the right algorithm to reach a desired outcome; and self-correction - continually fine-tuning algorithms to ensure they provide the most accurate results possible.

Supporters claim AI, if coded properly, has greater precision, accuracy, speed and a lower error rate than humans. It will be able to complete dangerous tasks such as space exploration, and endure environments that would harm humans.
Detractors claim that, although artificial intelligence enhances productivity and provides efficient results, it is very costly because AI computers are highly complex and intricate in their training. Many also believe human intelligence cannot be duplicated.
However, it is estimated that AI’s point of singularity - the hypothetical future creation of super-intelligent machines with cognitive capacity far beyond that possible for humans – is only a dozen years away. At that point, machines will be as intelligent as humans, and soon after, will exceed human intelligence.

Pending Legislation: S.1705 - AICT Act of 2021
Sponsor: Sen. Martin Heinrich (NM)
Status: Senate Committee on Armed Services
Chair: Sen. Jack Reed (RI)

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