ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
EXPERT SYSTEMS
Expert Systems: Computer programs that mimic the intelligence of human beings i.e. contains the
knowledge and analytical skills of one or more human experts
An expert system is a knowledge-based system which attempts to replace a human 'expert' in a
particular field.
Features of an expert system
Knowledge-based
Inference engine
Deals with incomplete answers
Interactive user interface
Example
A medical diagnosis expert system would have information about diseases and their symptoms,
the drugs used in treatments etc.
A patient is asked by a doctor about symptoms and the replies are input to the expert system. The
computer searches its database, uses its rules and makes suggestions about the disease and its
treatments. Sometimes probabilities are assigned to diagnoses.
The computer does not take the place of the doctor but can be used to help the doctor make
decisions.
Advantages
The computer can store far more information than a human.
The computer does not 'forget' or make mistakes.
The expert system is always available 24 hours a day and will never 'retire'.
The system can be used at a distance over a network.
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Disadvantages
Replaces humans in their jobs therefore it said to create unemployment.
These are actually computer programs so they vulnerable to attack by computer viruses
COMPUTER SIMULATION
A simulation is an imitation of some real state of affairs, or process or represents certain key
characteristics or behaviours of a selected physical system.
Simulation is used in many contexts, including the modeling of natural systems or human
systems in order to gain insight into their functioning.
AREAS OF COMPUTER SIMULATION
Military simulation
Flight simulation
Robotics simulators
Marine simulators
Advantages of computer simulation
- Reduces costs of buying unnecessary materials
- Helps in budgeting as estimation of costs can be made
- Saves lifers as the dangers involved are identified before the actual implementation of the
system
ROBOTICS
This is the science technology of producing machines called robots
A robot is a machine that is programmed using a computer that is capable of carrying a series of
tasks automatically. These machines they replace human effort.
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USES
- Mechanical cutting, grinding, and polishing
- Assembling cars
- Spray painting of cars
- Materials handling
ADVANTAGES OF USING ROBOTS
robots work 24 hours a day - no need for breaks.
robots do not need to be paid.
robots work consistently - they do not get tired or make mistakes.
DISADVANTAGES OF ROBOTS
- costly to maintain
- operate only when there is power
- a malfunction in the system stops production/work
- initial set up requires expertise
OTHER COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
COMPUTER AIDED LEARNING:
The refers to the use of computers to enhance learning e.g. at schools all subjects are to be taught
using computers e.g. the use of encyclopedia by subjects like science
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COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN
This is used by engineers, architects etc to produce technical drawings drawn to scale. It allows
this design work to be carried out in the computer.
CAD may be used to design curves and figures in two-dimensional ("2D") space; or curves, surfaces, or
solids in three-dimensional ("3D") objects.
BENEFITS OF CAD
Allows the designer to see the real object before implementing it i.e. if it is nice or bad
Allows the designer to be able to see the amount of materials needed in constructing such object
hence not over spending or leading to the project stopping because of lack of materials
