AI explained: uses and impact

What AI is and how we use it

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is the use of digital technology to create systems that can perform tasks usually requiring human intervention. AI mimics human thinking but processes information faster and more accurately. 

To perform tasks and make decisions, AI systems are trained to detect patterns in large amounts of data and learn from experience. 

How an AI system works

1. analyses large amounts of data inputs

3. performs task

2. detects patterns through algorithms

4. learns and improves performance

For example, AI can quickly analyse medical images and suggest diagnoses, which doctors can then confirm or reject based on their expertise. Over time, with more examples and feedback, AI gets better at detecting diseases accurately, just like doctors do.

Uses of AI

By enhancing efficiency, automating tasks and providing innovative solutions, artificial intelligence is transforming society, industries and business models.

Some of the sectors using AI:

manufacturing

AI streamlines processes, optimises resources, boosts productivity, and reduces the environmental impact of businesses

safety

better predictive analytics and risk management help prevent accidents or reduce their impact

education

AI enables personalised learning, boosting engagement and results. It also automates teachers’ administrative tasks, freeing up more time for teaching and mentoring

healthcare

healthcare providers use AI to improve diagnostics, predict diseases and personalise treatments, which results in better patient care and outcomes

energy

AI makes energy production and use more efficient and sustainable, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change

transport

self-driving vehicles operate safely without human intervention. AI also optimises traffic management and predicts infrastructure maintenance needs

Why the EU regulates AI

Advances in computing power, the availability of large quantities of data and new software are leading to rapid AI breakthroughs and to the development of extremely sophisticated AI applications and systems.

While most of these are safe and help address challenges and improve well-being, certain uses of AI pose risks to society, such as:

• discrimination based on gender, race, socioeconomic situation or past behaviour
• biases in decision-making algorithms
• intrusion into private life
• manipulation of ways of thinking and behaving

A Eurobarometer survey revealed that almost nine in ten people think that robots and artificial intelligence require careful management. 

• Eurobarometer survey on attitudes towards the impact of digitalisation and automation on daily life

The EU and its member states aim for a future with trustworthy and safe AI that respects EU values and rights.

The AI act, the first law of its kind in the world, sets conditions for specific uses of AI and bans some practices, in order to address potential risks, while supporting investment and innovation in the sector.

See also