Within the last five years, the terms Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have made their way to the mainstream, with businesses worldwide indicating interest in or use of these technologies. But what makes a machine intelligent, and how can it "learn"? "AI represents the entire universe of computing technology that exhibits three qualities: intentionality, intelligence and adaptability," said Bernie Brower, Fellow and AI subject matter expert, L3Harris. Intentionality relates to machines' capability to reach conclusions based on analysis; intelligence allows these machines to reach intelligent decisions based on considerations of that data; and finally, adaptability marks the machine's capability to adapt and integrate changes based on new possibilities as information is received. "Simply put, AI enables scientists and engineers to automate easy problems quicker and more robustly with the ability to solve complex problems with dimensionality that humans cannot even conceptualize," Brower said.

As AI, image quality and cloud-based services improve, the insurance industry is slowly moving closer to an era where many claims may soon be processed without any human touch at all. One area where fully automated claims could bring new efficiencies and benefits is in commercial auto insurance. In a market where losses and claims are high, improving operational efficiencies is one of the most viable ways to gain profitability. Experts say most of the technology is already here, and while it must be refined to be ready for widespread adoption, it could be a mainstream reality within the next few years. Commercial auto insurance has been a tough market for many carriers in recent years.

The sounds in videogames tell us to speed up, start over, and of course, to keep playing. But how does one set of beeps so effectively tell you you've gained power, while another indicates your character has died? And how, exactly, does someone create the sound of the Dark Knight punching the Joker in the face? Take, for example, slugging a bad guy in Batman: Arkham Asylum. The sound of that blow was made using a watermelon, a frozen turkey, and some archery skills.