Google's AlphaGo publicity stunt raises profile of AI and machine learning

World Go champion Lee Se-dol has beaten AlphaGo, an AI program developed by Google's DeepMind unit this weekend, though he still trails the program 3-1 in the series. Google's publicity stunt highlights the progress which has been made in the world of artificial intelligence and machine learning, as commentators predicted a run-away victory for Se-dol. DeepMind founder Demis Hassabis commented on Twitter "Lee Sedol is playing brilliantly! We are in trouble now…" allowing Se-dol to win the fourth game in the five game series. While the stunt demonstrates the potential of machine learning, Se-dol's consolation victory proves that the technology is still capable of making mistakes.