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10 Evolution of AI
10
Evolution of AI

Pre-Processing

• The Conceptual Era (1943-1952) • The Birth of AI (1952-1956)
• The Early Years (1956-1970) • The Growth Years (1980-1987)

• The Maturation Years (1993-2011) • The Current Scenario (2011-Present)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is defined as the capability of machines to display intelligence

as demonstrated by human beings. The term AI is often used to describe machines

that mimic human cognitive functions, such as learning, understanding, reasoning,

and problem solving.
AI is one of the fast-emerging developments in computer technology, which may

have profound effects on the use of technology in the future. But contrary to popular

belief, AI is not a recent phenomenon. The concept of AI has been in development
since the 20th century. Let us look at how AI has evolved over the past few decades.

THE CONCEPTUAL ERA (1943-1952)

The concept of Artificial Intelligence took birth during the early 1940s, when scientists
began to pursue the idea of providing intelligence to machines and experimenting

with devices that could learn.

Some milestone moments during this period are:
• 1943: The first work that is now recognised as AI was done by Warren McCulloch

and Walter Pits. They proposed a model of artificial neurons that discusses the

possibility of networks of artificial neurons performing logical functions.

• 1948: Another exciting AI milestone came when William
Grey Walter created Elmer and Elsie. These two robots were

the first to work autonomously – independent of a human.

They could navigate their way around obstacles using light
and touch. Elmer and Elsie

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