If fully automated vehicles become a reality someday – and it seems like we’re moving in that direction at a fast clip – artificial intelligence will play an instrumental role.
That’s why Ford is pouring $1 billion into a Pittsburgh-based artificial-intelligence (AI) startup called Argo AI. And Toyota is collaborating with one of the biggest AI players – Nvidia – to develop AI hardware and software.
The thinking is that AI has the power to recognize and react to the nearly infinite number of scenarios encountered on the road, because it has the capability to interpret the massive amount of data generated by the sensors and cameras in a vehicle – and make intelligent decisions based on that data. Nvidia says its Nvidia Drive PX platform can use AI to understand the 360-degree environment surrounding the car, localize itself on an HD map and anticipate potential hazards while driving – in a device that can fit in your hand.
AI Can Write Movie Scripts
Chances are, you already rely on AI everyday. The auto-correct function on your smartphone – that’s AI. And in the collision repair world, AI is finding its way into claims processing too.
Still, AI has its limitations. If it feels like we’re hurtling inexorably toward a totally automated future in which robots will rule the world, take a few minutes to watch this short film.
A bit of context: After digesting a bunch of science-fiction movie screenplays – from “2001: A Space Odyssey” to “Terminator” – an AI machine churned out this script, and some people produced it. It’s called “Sunspring.”
If you’re looking for any redeeming qualities in the film, here’s one off the top of my head: At least Harvey Weinstein wasn’t involved in it.
