Guest speaker presents practical view of artificial intelligence | Local - Dayton Daily News

Fear of the unknown can often cripple rational thinking. And one such unknown today is artificial intelligence. Is it right to be afraid of AI? Or is this just an irrational fear of the unknown? by Mary Pacinda, Air Force Research Laboratory.

 Photo: Dr. Erick Brethenoux

To make artificial intelligence more understandable to its workforce, the Air Force Research Laboratory Materials and Manufacturing Directorate recently invited Dr. Erick Brethenoux to explain how it all works and how we all can expect to benefit from it in the future. 

Brethenoux specializes in machine learning, artificial intelligence and applied cognitive computing on the AI team at Gartner Inc., a consulting firm AFRL information technology uses for help with its mission-critical priorities.
To begin his talk, Brethenoux reassured his audience that artificial intelligence doesn’t really exist.

“Artificial intelligence is a set of computer techniques that simulate cognitive processes,” said Brethenoux. “Computers store and compute, that’s all. They do not ‘understand’ anything.”...

Brethenoux leads AI research at Gartner Inc., guiding organizations on the strategic use of AI techniques. His research focuses on advanced software modeling and man-machine collaboration. A pioneer in predictive analytics, Brethenoux is currently an adjunct professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.

The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 11,000 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development.
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Source: Dayton Daily News