Throwback Thursday: The Evolution of Movie Robots and Artificial Intelligence

Trivia Question: Does anyone remember the first movie a robot appeared in?

...Give up?

The first robot debuted on the big screen in the 1919 film, ‘The Master Mystery’, except they weren't called robots yet; they were called automatons. For today’s audience, robots are a common thing to see in movies and they have only gotten more technologically advanced…and bigger! Check out this Yahoo! Movies video that takes you through a short tour of the evolution of movie robots.

As you can see, robots, and the brains behind the robots, Artificial Intelligence (A.I.), have continued to evolve throughout time. The beginning years of A.I., the technology did not have the diagnostic, conversational ability. Before, humans would interact with A.I. but it could only pick out keywords. In essence, there was no logic behind it. For example, if you asked an A.I., “I need directions to the grocery store from noHold”, it would pick out the key words (directions, grocery store, noHold), but it wouldn't be able to decipher the connecting words. The A.I. might interpret your request incorrectly and give you directions to noHold from the grocery store instead.

Now, A.I. is more advanced, and does not only use logic to process information, but also customizes responses. 

One way to provide custom responses (that is gaining popularity in the market) is using predictive technology. Taking the example from above about directions, if you ask a Virtual Agent where the nearest movie theater is, and it can respond with the solution AND give you options of nearby restaurants or the latest reviews on a current movie as well. Predictive interactions make it easier for users to get relevant information, without having to ask.

Location-based awareness is also a trending technology for new devices. Using GPS tracking to pinpoint your location, a Virtual Agent can use that information to provide users with location-specific content.

By combining logic, predictive interactions, and location-based awareness, Artificial Intelligence has evolved to become more user-friendly and personalized.

Do you remember your earliest interaction with a robot or Artificial Intelligence (AI)? How has the experience evolved over time? In your opinion, what will AI be capable of 5 years from now? 

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Leading Analyst Firm Predicts Cognizant Computing to Include Virtual Agents

Photo Credit: smartplanet.com

In today’s market, cognizant computing is making a breakthrough. It is the cutting edge technology that customizes services, products, and advertising to individual consumer based on information gathered straight from those consumers. For example, cognizant computing allows ‘Brand X’ to advertise sales on tablets to Joe because he searched for tablet sales, and that same brand can advertise device accessories to Suzie because she has a purchasing history of device accessories. Of course, this is a basic example, and cognizant computing involves more complex algorithms to determine what each customer wants.

Photo Credit: coolmomtech.com

Just recently, Apple announced the newest version of its Operating System (iOS 8) to include features that will personalize user experiences through cognizant computing. They unveiled the “intuitive typing technology that can predict replies to text messages based on the content of the text and the person you’re talking with” (Apple Announces iOS 8, with an Overhauled Keyboard and Self-Destructing Audio Messages). In essence, your device will recognize who you are talking to and adapt the predictive text accordingly. So, if you are talking to a colleague, the predictive text will appear more professional, as opposed to talking to a close friend where the predictive text will be a bit more laid back. 

This type of cognizant computing is paving the way for everyone else. Soon, users of all types of devices will expect this type of customized interaction, not only for mobile apps, but even on the web. Virtual Agents are going to be able to collect data from users and provide them with more specific information to what pertains to them. Also, cognizant Virtual Agents are going to be able to purchase things online for 'me.' Leading analyst firms agree that Virtual Agents are going to be to apps, what search is to websites; but with most people using mobile devices to browse the web, Virtual Agents are going to be expected for website interactions as well.

What do you expect when interacting with a Virtual Agent? What is your opinion on cognizant computing and the future of technology for end users? 

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