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It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's...Artificial Intelligence?

June 20, 2023

There’s a Keystone in every great invention.

What comes to mind when you think about summer? Basking in the bright sun and warm breeze? Escaping from school and finally reaching graduation? Whether it’s poolside, on the beach, or enjoying a day at the ballpark, summer represents a certain degree of unplugging for many graduates before they continue education or fully commit to the workforce we all know and love. Now we say “a certain degree” because there is no denying that technology has become an integral part of our lives. With the frequency of inventions and the variety of new gadgets at our disposal, one bit of tech is constantly impacting homework, workflows, home routines, and even baseball games around the nation.

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful force that is transforming various industries. With its ability to analyze vast amounts of data, learn from patterns, and automate tasks, AI is not only revolutionizing efficiency, but streamlining processes and enhancing productivity in order to drive innovation in schools, offices, homes, and stadiums. For all you know, our entire blog series could be written by AI…

 

What is AI?

In layman’s terms, AI is the development of computer systems that can perform tasks that would typically require human intelligence. Using various techniques, algorithms and technologies, AI enables machines to simulate human-like cognitive abilities such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and decision-making. Some of the fundamental components behind AI are: 

Machine Learning (ML): Machine Learning is a subset of AI that focuses on algorithms and models that allow computers to learn from data and make predictions or decisions without explicit programming. ML algorithms can be categorized into supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning, each with its own approach to learning patterns and making predictions based on data.

Natural Language Processing (NLP): NLP focuses on enabling computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language. NLP technologies encompass techniques such as text analysis, language translation, sentiment analysis, information extraction, and question answering systems. NLP utilizes statistical and machine learning methods to process and analyze textual data, making it possible for machines to comprehend and generate language.

Computer Vision: Computer vision allows machines to understand and interpret visual information from images or videos. It involves algorithms and models that can extract features from visual data, recognize objects, detect patterns, and understand scenes. Techniques such as image classification, object detection, image segmentation, and facial recognition are used in computer vision applications.

Robotics: Robotics combines AI with physical systems to create machines that can interact with the physical world. Robotic systems incorporate technologies such as computer vision, sensor fusion, motion planning, and machine learning to perceive their environment, make decisions, and perform tasks autonomously or with human assistance. Robotic technologies have applications in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and exploration.

 

Where is AI?

The term AI most likely makes one think of model generators and language processing tools such as Chat GPT, that can generate automated responses for everything from emails and essays to code. But that is just one facet of AI. 

In reality, AI has surrounded us for much longer than we would think. Think about all the smart devices you own, from your phone or tablets, to your house equipped with smart hubs controlling everything from speakers and security systems to thermostats and lighting. Every time you ask Siri for the weather or tell Alexa to dim the lights, you’re interacting with various forms of AI to quickly improve and streamline your day-to-day habits.

Autonomous Vehicles

Vehicles equipped with AI utilize machine learning, computer vision, and sensor fusion to perceive their surroundings, make real-time decision, and navigate the roads without a single bit of human interference. 

Healthcare & Cybersecurity

Stringent industries such as Healthcare and Cybersecurity employ AI to better analyze vast amounts of data and patterns to improve the quality of results. AI assists cybersecurity with detecting anomalies or potential security breaches, resulting in enhanced defenses and more effective responses to cyberattacks. Within healthcare, AI algorithms can aid in identifying patterns in patient records, and assist in disease diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment recommendations. 

Robotics and Automation

Industrial robots equipped with AI can adapt to changing environments, learn from experience, and carry out tasks with precision. AI-powered automation systems streamline manufacturing processes, logistics operations, and quality control.

…Baseball?

Yes, even baseball. AI has found its way into the sports world with the use of virtual and augmented reality, that offer immersive experiences for fans to virtually experience games, player stats and access interactive content. 

One of the most discussed and controversial topics across all sports has always been officiating and the tolerance for human error. While many games have introduced instant replay to back up officials, baseball is the last man standing when it comes to leaving game-deciding decisions in total human control. Balls and strikes are still viewed and enforced solely by human umpires, with no rules in place to challenges those types of calls at the major league level. However, Umpire Decision Support tools have been deployed in lower levels of the game to experiment and promote accurate decisions. Robotics equipped with computer vision systems can track the trajectory of the ball, determine strike zones specific to batters, and provide real-time feedback that can reduce the number of errors in umpire decisions. 

A wide range of Keystone products can be found in today’s and next generation versions of autonomous vehicles, healthcare equipment and devices, and robotics. This includes LED holders, spacers and lens caps; fuse clips and holdersPCB test points and terminalsspacers and standoffspanel hardware and PCB plugs, pins, jacks, and sockets and more.


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