Two pixilated vowels, together, represent the hopes and fears of a healthcare industry seeking more intelligent solutions. "AI," artificial intelligence, has been around since 1956 but has made precious few contributions to medical practice so far. Each year, hundreds of plucky new startups hop aboard the AI hype wagon, each promising sophisticated new solutions, from nurse-bots to virtual assistants to AI-powered wearables for the elderly, just to name a few. Most are titillating but not transformative. Nearly all have failed to move the needle on quality outcomes or life expectancy.

It's impossible to read about the future of healthcare without encountering two pixilated vowels that, together, represent the hopes and fears of an industry seeking more intelligent solutions. Though the field of artificial intelligence (AI) has been around since 1956, it has made precious few contributions to medical practice. Only recently has the hype of machine-based learning begun to merge with reality. What Is Artificial Intelligence, Really? Confusion surrounding AI – its applications in healthcare and even its definition – remains widespread in popular media.

It's impossible to read about the future of healthcare without encountering two pixilated vowels that, together, represent the hopes and fears of an industry seeking more intelligent solutions. Though the field of artificial intelligence (AI) has been around since 1956, it has made precious few contributions to medical practice. Only recently has the hype of machine-based learning begun to merge with reality. What Is Artificial Intelligence, Really? Confusion surrounding AI – its applications in healthcare and even its definition – remains widespread in popular media.