Artificial Intelligence: Not Science Fiction, but Science Reality – MeriTalk

Last month the Congressional Subcommittee on Information Technology began a three-part series of hearings to break through the myths and the hype to gain a real understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the role it can play in the Federal government. While the first hearing focused on industry and academic experts, Wednesday's hearing saw testimony exclusively from government leaders, including representatives from Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), General Services Administration (GSA), National Science Foundation (NSF), and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). During the hearing one point was raised that bears repeating–AI isn't science fiction, its science reality. "When people hear'artificial intelligence,' their minds often wander to the realm of science fiction," said Keith Nakasone, deputy assistant commissioner, acquisition operations, Office of Information Technology Category, GSA. "There is also a belief that AI is in the future, rather than in the present. Concerted effort by policymakers of all levels to help change this narrative will be critical in promoting acceptance and adoption of AI by more and more entities."