We have developed quite a lot when it comes to technology in the last few decades. Now, the next big thing is artificial intelligence. Machine learning, which is a branch of artificial intelligence, has made it so much easier for analysts to understand raw data. Every big company is using some machine learning model to analyze huge amounts of data to get some insights. So, here’s everything to know about machine learning.
What is machine learning and how it came to be?
Machine learning focuses on imitating human behavior in machines through data and algorithms. It was born from just a theory that computers can do jobs which they are not programmed to do. Machine learning, exactly like it sounds, focuses on imparting certain knowledge to machines or making the machine learn from patterns.
Machine learning was thought of as a hoax and only to be possible in fictional movies. However, in 1997, a computer chess program, named Deep Blue, was able to defeat a grandmaster in chess. Garry Kasparov’s defeat proved that it is certainly possible to teach machines. Alan Turing, the father of theoretical computer science, also predicted that machine learning will be possible in the future. His famous Turing test is still used as a reference when developing artificial intelligence.
How is machine learning helping us develop?
The ability to adapt to different situations differently due to our experience seems like the most human thing. With machine learning, the machines are able to do so as well. Machine learning has made it possible to automate a lot of work that requires human intervention. Here are some examples:
- Personalized feed is possible due to machine learning only. The algorithm is able to detect a pattern in someone’s behavior. It then tries to find people with similar interests and group them with you. That is how you get new content on social media platforms or content sites.
- Some self-driving automated cars have passed the testing phase and are ready to use right now. The most fictional thing about a sci-fi movie was made possible due to machine learning. The ability to read and understand a huge amount of data made it possible to make this invention come true.
- Fraud detection became a thing due to machine learning as well. It is impossible for a human to keep track of every transaction of a bank’s customer. Well, now machines can do it for you while keeping the behavior of the customer in check. So, if something unusual happens your account is blocked and you are saved from a possible fraudulent transaction.
- The healthcare industry is using machine learning to analyze heaps of data that sensors on patients created to figure out a trend. Doctors can use this data to reduce errors in diagnosing a patient with a disease. Results have shown that the diagnosis of cancer by machines is quite better than human doctors. Since the pandemic, it has really helped the health sector a lot. As covid has very generic symptoms, it was difficult to diagnose someone correctly. Algorithms were fed a ton of data on patients and its result was able to help in reducing the error in diagnosis.