Advancements in Data Science

Introduction to some of the advancements that are happening in different areas, and how the world is taking advantage of A.I.

We have seen different applications of data science and machine learning, such as predicting house prices, recommending movies and videos, filtering spam, or classifying the images as an animal or human. However, data science and machine learning are not limited to these things only. In this lesson, we will learn about some futuristic work that is going on in different areas and the potential it has to change life as we know it. Although this work is not a direct part of present interviews, many big companies are working on futuristic projects, and you are more likely to impress an interviewer if you offer ideas regarding these topics.

Creating artificial humans

To begin, we give data to the relevant algorithm. The machine makes a decision based on past data. Then, it collects the data, creates the model, and starts predicting.

Think about the situation of a baby. When they grow up, we continue telling them what to do, what not to do, what is harmful, what is good, how to eat, how to walk, and many other crucial things.

Can we do the same thing with machines? The answer is yes! Many companies are investing in creating artificial humans that can act like real humans. An example is of an experiment that was done for a sales customer call. A company can train a machine with their best sales representative, and the artificial avatar can take all the calls in the future.

Building body parts

Some people lose body parts due to accidents. Using machine learning and robotics, we can create synthetic parts that will act as genuine body parts and will respond to signals from a person’s brain.

Intelligent farming

In agriculture, the use of machine learning and A.I. is increasing. Now, we can grow anything in any place, under different weather conditions and with different soil types. The algorithms can understand the patterns needed for a successful harvest, and can modify closed environmental conditions.

Predicting the spread of pandemic

A.I. could even be used to predict the spread of a pandemic like COVID-19. A.I. can generate predictions based on different conditions, which can be useful to governments taking action in a crisis. For example, how would the spread of a virus be impacted if no lockdown, partial lockdown, or full lockdown is mandated by a government? A.I. can save lives by predicting outcomes until we have a cure for a rapidly spreading disease.

Creating robust architectural design

Through the analysis of different factors like soil type, water availability, weather conditions, and user needs, A.I. can design architecture that would best fit a set of given conditions. A.I. can predict the failure and lifetime of architectural design, and can make relevant changes before construction begins.

Curing diseases and improving medical science

Data science is helping medical science detect and cure diseases. Conditions like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (or ALS) captured a lot of attention through viral social media campaigns, and this inspired companies to work to help people with the disease. A.I. is also helping by predicting diseases in earlier stages when they are more likely to be curable. For example, A.I. can predict blindness using images of the retina, or the chance of a fever from changing body temperature and heartbeats. It can also help in situations where large populations lack doctors. A.I. can even provide great help to people working on curing previously incurable diseases, like cancer.

Understanding emotions

We can write algorithms that can understand emotions and react accordingly. In the 2014 movie Ex Machina, this concept is demonstrated and explored. Using A.I., we can create a perfect companion, a “person” who is very similar to the human designer and who shares their interests.

A.I. applications

Q

In which of these areas is the use of A.I. not possible?

A)

Healthcare

B)

Manufacturing

C)

Transportation

D)

All of the above can use A.I.