From a blurry mirage half a century ago, artificial intelligence has transcended several technological feats. Following a series of breakthroughs in mobility, big data, crowd computing and automotive, AI now moves outside the box to engage in environmental protection campaigns and large-scale aerial surveying to create maps. Researchers are also intrigued on how they can mimic AI technologies to how preschoolers think. Other updates relate to mobility and citations for AI-related ventures.

Mimicking a Child’s Brain

If you suppose that artificial intelligence is only concentrating on how to be superior of an adult human’s brain, then you will be surprised that studies have been directed to examine how a child’s way of thinking topples that of AI. At UC Berkeley, experts are looking into preschoolers to find out how to make smarter computers.

The Child Center Study’s classrooms look and sound like the usual and ideal kindergarten class: art hanging from the ceilings, kids gather around tables and toys are messed up on shelves, cubby holes and the floor. The nearby test room for kids ages 3 to 5 serves as a venue to teach them how to make machine play music by placing a special block on it. The children continue to play and pretend using a fake machine, using the same rules, as the real machines are taken away. The center currently has 46 enrolled preschoolers.

The lead developmental psychologist at the center, Alison Gopnik provided further details on this project: “We think about their brains as wonderful computers — the most powerful computers we know about. The goal of the UC Berkeley project: Figure out what kinds of “software” those computers are running.”

“We piloted these experiments on grad students in the lab,” said Daphna Buchsbaum, a doctoral student in psychology and computational cognitive development who designed the experiment. “We were like, ‘This is really confusing.’ “

The Aerial and Aquatic Invasion

Looking exactly like a fish and swimming like a fish, but not a fish. Confused? The new robot fish is now currently whirling around bodies of water to gather data useful to combat water pollution. The technology developed by BMT Group and SHOAL research is now stationed in Gijon, Spain. Luke Teller, SHOAL Project Leader and Senior Research Scientist for BMT Group, shared details on this undertaking:

“SHOAL has introduced the capability of cutting the detection and analysis of pollutants in sea water time from weeks to just a few seconds. Chemical sensors fitted to the fish permit real-time in-situ analysis, rather than the current method of sample collection and dispatch to a shore based laboratory. Furthermore, the Artificial Intelligence which has been introduced means that the fish can identify the source of pollution enabling prompt and more effective remedial action.”

From the seas to the atmosphere, Bluesky launches drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for aerial surveying. The service includes Artificial Intelligence (AI) guided autopilot, high resolution integrated camera and environmentally friendly rechargeable propulsion system. It was originally used by the military.

According to James Eddy, Technical Director at Leicestershire based Bluesky: “Using UAV’s we can respond quickly to demands to collect site specific images and data in a very cost effective way. The integrated camera captures high resolution photogrammetric images that can be used to create map accurate aerial survey data including height models. The system is compact and lightweight making it easy to store and transport and can be launched by hand from virtually any location. Flight planning software and an Artificial Intelligence guided autopilot make it easy to control and the system will gently and safely return to the ground with a single touch of a button.”

Mobility

The unparalleled growth within the field of mobility also attracts companies to heavily invest in mobile artificial intelligence. The leading provider of ERP and total technology solutions for the hospitality and leisure industries, IDS NEXT showcased the newest addition to their lineup, the Envy mobility solutions. This new iOS and Android ready mobility offerings for the hospitality industry. The product was first seen at The Hotel Show in Dubai last May 15^th.

Binu Mathews, President and COO of IDS NEXT, briefly explained what’s in store for users: Envy is an intelligent, and user friendly range of solutions that has been developed to increase revenue, reduce costs and enhance guest experience for our customers. The tablet based Envy Dine solution comes equipped with artificial intelligence to ease restaurant operations and enhance guests’ dining experience”.

He added, “This is just the beginning in mobility solutions for IDS. Our 150 person Research & Development team continuously innovates new solutions to empower our customers and exceed their expectations”.

One of the featured application in this pack is the Envy Dine—an app that intuitively senses what customers are searching for and recommends the most requested items in a particular category. The concept in which the Envy mobile solutions run is almost parallel to that of SIRI, an agent that work as personal assistant in attempt to determine where a person might want to dine by looking at their previous eating habits via searches and phone use. Speaking of SIRI, there are reports that this favorite virtual companion might be stirring its way to Apple Mac computers. This is after SIRI accidentally-slash-jokingly answered Nokia Lumia 900 when asked “What’s the best smartphone ever?” Apple immediately fixed the bug and recalibrated SIRI to tell the iPhone truth. On a more serious note, IBM banned SIRI on its corporate network over growing concerns that the virtual assistant could not keep its mouth shut and could spill industrial secrets.

In California, the incubation center of Vodafone, Vodafone xoneTM is teaming up with Expertmaker (AI software company) to sponsor a weekend of artificial intelligence hackathon that will kick off on June 8^th at Redwood City.

Awards

As it continues to traverse greater heights, AI-centered businesses receive push from various sectors. Just recently, Rocket Fuel, a global leader in AI advertising solutions for digital marketers was elected in the elite class of JMP Securities’ list of “Hot 100: The Best Privately Held Software Companies.” George John, Co-Founder and CEO of Rocket Fuel, shares the good news to the public:

“It’s a great tribute to the hard work of our team to be included in JMP’s ‘Hot 100’ list and receive increasing recognition from investors and quality underwriters. With over 300 new customers in 2011, and an expanded international footprint in 2012, we’re continuing to execute on our strategy of harnessing the power of big data and artificial intelligence to propel digital marketing to new heights.”

This is not the first recognition that Rocket Fuel received. It avant-garde technology has propelled them to the top of the charts including the Top-25 in Forbes America’s Most Promising Companies List and San Francisco Business Times Tech & Innovation Award for Best Advertising & Marketing Company. Unlike the traditional marketing software, the company uses artificial intelligence engine that flies campaigns on auto pilot across online display, mobile, video and social media.

The “what’s next” for artificial intelligence is a question with gazillions of possible answers from an ocean of ideas. SiliconANGLE.com will keep you regularly posted on the latest happenings and craze of AI.