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We can now calculate the expanse of space and the minute intricacies of subatomic particles thanks to computers.
Computers beat humans when it comes to counting and calculating, as well as following logical yes/no processes, thanks to electrons traveling at the speed of light via its circuitry.
However, we do not often see them as “intelligent” since, in the past, computers could not perform anything without being taught (programmed) by humans.
Machine learning, including deep learning and artificial intelligence, has become a buzzword in scientific and technology headlines.
Machine learning appears to be omnipresent, but many people who use the word would struggle to adequately define what it is, what it does, and what it is best used for.
This article seeks to clarify machine learning while also providing concrete, real-world examples of how the technology works to illustrate why it is so beneficial.
Then, we’ll look at the various machine learning methodologies and see how they’re being used to address business challenges.
Finally, we’ll consult our crystal ball for some quick predictions about the future of machine learning.
What is Machine Learning?
Machine learning is a discipline of computer science that enables computers to infer patterns from data without being explicitly taught what those patterns are.
These conclusions are frequently based on using algorithms to automatically assess the statistical features of the data and developing mathematical models to depict the relationship between various values.
Contrast this with classical computing, which is based on deterministic systems, in which we explicitly give the computer a set of rules to follow for it to do a certain task.
This way of programming computers is known as rule-based programming. Machine learning differs from and outperforms rules-based programming in that it can deduce these rules on its own.
Assume you’re a bank manager who wants to determine if a loan application is going to fail on their loan.
In a rules-based method, the bank manager (or other specialists) would expressly inform the computer that if the applicant’s credit score is below a certain level, the application should be rejected.
However, a machine learning program would simply analyze prior data on client credit ratings and loan results and determine what this threshold should be on its own.
The machine learns from previous data and creates its own rules in this way. Of course, this is only a primer on machine learning; real-world machine learning models are significantly more complicated than a basic threshold.
Nonetheless, it’s an excellent demonstration of the potential of machine learning.
How does a machine learn?
To keep things simple, machines “learn” by detecting patterns in comparable data. Consider data to be information that you gather from the outside world. The more data a machine is fed, the “smarter” it becomes.
However, not all data is the same. Assume you’re a pirate with a life purpose to uncover the buried riches on the island. You will want a substantial amount of knowledge to locate the prize.
This knowledge, like data, can either take you in the correct or wrong way.
The greater the information/data acquired, the less ambiguity there is, and vice versa. As a result, it’s critical to consider the sort of data you’re feeding your machine to learn from.
However, once a substantial quantity of data is provided, the computer can make predictions. Machines can anticipate the future as long as it does not deviate much from the past.
Machines “learn” by analyzing historical data to determine what is likely to happen.
If the old data resembles the new data, then the things you can say about the previous data are likely to apply to the new data. It’s as though you’re looking back to see forward.
What are the types of machine learning?
Algorithms for machine learning are frequently classified into three broad types (though other classification schemes are also used):
- Supervised learning
- Unsupervised learning
- Reinforcement learning
Supervised learning
Supervised machine learning refers to techniques in which the machine learning model is given a collection of data with explicit labels for the quantity of interest (this quantity is often referred to as the response or target).
To train AI models, semi-supervised learning employs a mix of labeled and unlabeled data.
If you’re working with unlabeled data, you’ll need to undertake some data labeling.
Labeling is the process of labeling samples to aid in training a machine learning model. Labeling is primarily done by people, which can be costly and time-consuming. However, there are techniques to automate the labeling process.
The loan application situation we discussed before is an excellent illustration of supervised learning. We had historical data regarding former loan applicants’ credit ratings (and perhaps income levels, age, and so on) as well as specific labels that told us whether, or not the person in question defaulted on their loan.
Regression and classification are two subsets of supervised learning techniques.
- Classification – It makes use of an algorithm to categorize data correctly. Spam filters are one example. “Spam” can be a subjective category—the line between spam and non-spam communications is blurry—and the spam filter algorithm is constantly refining itself depending on your feedback (meaning email that humans mark as spam).
- Regression – It is helpful in comprehending the connection between dependent and independent variables. Regression models can forecast numerical values based on several data sources, such as sales revenue estimates for a certain company. Linear regression, logistic regression, and polynomial regression are some prominent regression techniques.
Unsupervised learning
In unsupervised learning, we are given unlabeled data and are just looking for patterns. Let’s pretend you’re Amazon. Can we find any clusters (groups of similar consumers) based on client purchasing history?
Even while we don’t have explicit, conclusive data about a person’s preferences, in this instance, simply knowing that a specific set of consumers purchases comparable goods allows us to make buy suggestions based on what other individuals in the cluster have also purchased.
Amazon’s “you might also be interested in” carousel is powered by similar technologies.
Unsupervised learning can group data through clustering or association, depending on what you want to group together.
- Clustering – Unsupervised learning attempts to overcome this challenge by searching for patterns in the data. If there is a similar cluster or group, the algorithm will categorize them in a certain manner. Trying to categorize clients based on previous purchasing history is an example of this.
- Association – Unsupervised learning attempts to tackle this challenge by trying to comprehend the rules and meanings underlying various groups. A frequent example of an association problem is determining a link between customer purchases. Stores can be interested in knowing what goods were purchased together and can use this information to arrange the positioning of these products for easy access.
Reinforcement Learning
Reinforcement learning is a technique for teaching machine learning models to make a series of goal-oriented decisions in an interactive setting. The gaming use cases mentioned above are excellent illustrations of this.
You don’t have to input AlphaZero thousands of previous chess games, each with a “good” or “poor” move labeled. Simply teach it the game’s rules and the goal, and then let it try out random acts.
Positive reinforcement is given to activities that take the program closer to the goal (such as developing a solid pawn position). When acts have the opposite effect (such as prematurely shifting the king), they earn negative reinforcement.
The software can ultimately master the game using this method.
Reinforcement learning is widely used in robotics to teach robots for complicated and difficult-to-engineer actions. It is sometimes utilized in conjunction with roadway infrastructure, such as traffic signals, to improve traffic flow.
What can be done with machine learning?
The use of machine learning in society and industry is resulting in advances in a wide range of human endeavors.
In our daily lives, machine learning now controls Google’s search and image algorithms, allowing us to be more accurately matched with the information we need when we need it.
In medicine, for example, machine learning is being applied to genetic data to help doctors understand and predict how cancer spreads, allowing for developing more effective therapies.
Data from deep space is being collected here on Earth via massive radio telescopes – and after being analyzed with machine learning, it is helping us unravel the mysteries of black holes.
Machine learning in retail links buyers with things they wish to buy online, and also helps shop employees to tailor the service they provide to their clients in the brick-and-mortar world.
Machine learning is employed in the battle against terror and extremism to anticipate the behavior of those who wish to hurt the innocent.
Natural language processing (NLP) refers to the process of allowing computers to understand and communicate with us in human language through machine learning, and it’s resulted in breakthroughs in translation technology as well as the voice-controlled devices we increasingly use every day, such as Alexa, Google dot, Siri, and Google assistant.
Without a question, machine learning is demonstrating that it is a transformational technology.
Robots capable of working alongside us and boosting our own originality and imagination with their faultless logic and superhuman speed are no longer a science fiction fantasy – they are becoming a reality in many sectors.
Machine Learning use cases
1. Cybersecurity
As networks have gotten more complicated, cybersecurity specialists have worked tirelessly to adapt to the ever-expanding range of security threats.
Countering rapidly evolving malware and hacking tactics is challenging enough, but the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has fundamentally transformed the cybersecurity environment.
Attacks can occur at any moment and in any place.
Thankfully, machine learning algorithms have enabled cybersecurity operations to keep up with these fast developments.
Predictive analytics enable quicker detection and mitigation of attacks, while machine learning can analyze your activity inside a network to detect abnormalities and weaknesses in existing security mechanisms.
2. Automation of customer service
Managing an increasing number of online client contacts has strained much organization.
They simply do not have enough customer service personnel to handle the volume of inquiries they are receiving, and the traditional approach of outsourcing issues to a contact center is just unacceptable for many of today’s clients.
Chatbots and other automated systems can now address these demands thanks to advances in machine learning techniques. Companies can free up personnel to undertake more high-level customer support by automating mundane and low-priority activities.
When used correctly, machine learning in business can help to streamline issue resolution and provide consumers with the type of helpful support that converts them become committed brand champions.
3. Communication
Avoiding errors and misconceptions is critical in any type of communication, but more so in today’s business communications.
Simple grammatical mistakes, incorrect tone, or erroneous translations can cause a range of difficulties in email contact, customer evaluations, video conferencing, or text-based documentation in many forms.
Machine learning systems have advanced communication well beyond Microsoft’s Clippy’s heady days.
These machine learning examples have helped individuals communicate simply and precisely by using natural language processing, real-time language translation, and speech recognition.
While many individuals dislike autocorrecting capabilities, they also value being protected from embarrassing mistakes and improper tone.
4. Object Recognition
While the technology to collect and interpret data has been around for a while, teaching computer systems to understand what they’re looking at has proven to be a deceptively difficult task.
Object recognition capabilities are being added to an increasing number of devices because of machine learning applications.
A self-driving automobile, for example, recognizes another car when it sees one, even if programmers did not give it an exact example of that car to use as a reference.
This technology is now being used in retail businesses to help speed up the checkout process. Cameras identify the products in consumers’ carts and can automatically bill their accounts when they leave the store.
5. Digital Marketing
Much of today’s marketing is done online, using a range of digital platforms and software programs.
As businesses collect information about their consumers and their purchasing behaviors, marketing teams can use that information to build a detailed picture of their target audience and discover which people are more inclined to seek out their products and services.
Machine learning algorithms assist marketers in making sense of all that data, discovering significant patterns and attributes that allow them to tightly categorize possibilities.
The same technology allows large digital marketing automation. Ad systems can be set up to discover new prospective consumers dynamically and provide relevant marketing content to them at the proper time and place.
Future of Machine Learning
Machine learning is certainly gaining popularity as more businesses and huge organizations use the technology to tackle specific challenges or fuel innovation.
This continued investment demonstrates an understanding that machine learning is producing ROI, particularly through some of the above-mentioned established and reproducible use cases.
After all, if the technology is good enough for Netflix, Facebook, Amazon, Google Maps, and so on, chances are it can help your company make the most of its data as well.
As new machine learning models are developed and launched, we will witness an increase in the number of applications that will be used across industries.
This is already happening with face recognition, which was once a new function on your iPhone but is now being implemented into a wide range of programs and applications, particularly those related to public security.
The key for most organizations trying to get started with machine learning is to look past the bright futuristic visions and discover the real business challenges that the technology can help you with.
Conclusion
In the post-industrialized age, scientists and professionals have been trying to create a computer that behaves more like humans.
The thinking machine is AI’s most significant contribution to humanity; the phenomenal arrival of this self-propelled machine has rapidly transformed corporate operating regulations.
Self-driving vehicles, automated assistants, autonomous manufacturing employees, and smart cities have lately demonstrated the viability of smart machines. The machine learning revolution, and the future of machine learning, will be with us for a long time.
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