To gain a better understanding of the emerging opportunities, challenges, and implications resulting from developments in artificial intelligence (AI), the Comptroller General of the United States convened the Forum on Artificial Intelligence, which was held on July 6 and 7, 2017, in Washington, D.C. GAO issued a technology assessment in March 2018 summarizing the results of this forum. Forum participants noted a range of opportunities and challenges related to AI, as well as areas needed for future research and for consideration by policymakers. Regarding opportunities, investment in automation through AI technologies could lead to improvements in productivity and economic outcomes, according to a forum participant. AI can also be used to gather an enormous amount of data from multiple sources and detect abnormalities faster than humans can, and it could be used to help solve some of the world's most complex and pressing problems. The participants also highlighted a number of challenges related to AI.