The History of AI: Part 2

Gabriella Sandoval, Events Liaison and Manager 

Beyond the multiplex ideas of robots and technology would upspring the AI that we have come to know and use today. But, before we can fully understand just how AI has improved over many decades, we must continue analyzing the groundwork that has enabled AI to develop to where it’s at now.

The rapid growth of technological advancements in the area of AI would continue to thrive in the timeframe of the 1950’s-60’s. This period sparked creation, where scientists focused on programming languages, and when a plethora of books and movies explored deeper ideas of self-functioning robots. The concept of AI quickly became mainstream, with many inventors seeking to create the “next best thing”.

Creations in the late 1950’s-60’s:

• In 1958, computer scientist John McCarthy created List Processing (LISP), the first programming language for AI research, which is still used today.

• In 1961, The first industrial robot named “Unimate" started working at a General Motors in New Jersey, responsible for transporting die casings and welding parts on cars (which was said to be too dangerous for humans to do).

• In 1965, Edward Feigenbaum and Joshua Lederberg created the first “Expert System” which was a form of AI designed to replicate the thinking and decision-making abilities of human experts.

The Invention of Chatbots:

If you’ve ever seen the movie Iron Man (best Avenger by the way), then you're quite familiar with Tony Stark’s AI assistant named Jarvis. Stark’s virtual personal assistant may have seemed like a fairly new idea, when in reality, the concept of chatbots began in the 1960’s. In 1966, computer scientist Joseph Weizenbaum created the first “chatterbot” (later shortened to chatbot), ELIZA; a program that imitated a therapist. ELIZA used Natural Language Processing (NLP), and tricked users into thinking they were conversing with a human being, rather than a chatterbot. How astonished would you be to find out that your online therapist is in fact not a human being, but rather a computer system?

After ELIZA, there were other successful Bots that were made including: PARRY in 1972, RACTER in 1983 and then JABBERWACKY in 2005. All bots were created for the purpose of mimicking human interaction.

AI in the 1970’s:

The 1970’s was an era filled with similar improvements, including the world's first full-scale anthropomorphic robot, called Wabot-1; created by a Japanese professor named Ichiro Kato in 1970. This robot consisted of a limb-control system, a vision system, and a conversation system, the closest a robot could come to achieving full human function. By the late 1970’s, James L. Adams created “The Stanford Cart” which became one of the first examples of an autonomous vehicle; which eventually was able to successfully navigate a room full of chairs without human interference.

Challenges with Funding for AI:

By the mid-1960s, AI research in the United States was being funded primarily by the Department of Defense. However, by the 1970’s, the U.S. government began to show little interest in continuing to fund AI research. Fortunately, in 1979, The American Association of Artificial Intelligence which is now known as the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) was founded. This nonprofit was created to assist in advancing the development of AI, which also produced a means of funding.

Reflecting on the mid and mid-late 1900’s, it’s clear that these time periods laid the essential groundwork for AI’s significant evolution in the years that followed. There’s more to be discussed about the enthralling topic of AI, so stay tuned for part three of this AI series!

The History of AI: Part 1

Gabriella Sandoval, Events Liaison and Manager 

Although it may seem as if artificial intelligence (AI) is a new form of technology, it has actually been proactively developing for many decades; with the earliest groundwork dating back to the early 1900s. It’s quite compelling because learning about the history of robots, technology, and AI is important in understanding where AI is at now, and what it may be like in the future. 

The History of Robots and AI

The overall idea of a machine being able to function on its own is ancient. It dates back thousands of years when inventors first made mechanical automatons (a machine that can move by itself). Among the earliest references of an automaton is of a wooden model of a pigeon constructed by a Greek friend of the philosopher Plato around 400 BCE. Many years later, one of the most famous automatons of a mechanical robotic knight would be created by Leonardo da Vinci around the late 15th century. Knowing this information allows us to better grasp the technological advancements and changes of modern day AI.

The groundwork for modern day AI concepts centered around the idea of artificial humans which came into fruition in the early 1900’s. Many expert scientists began forming curiosities as if it was possible to create an artificial brain. This brought on a new variety of different ideas. 

Robot Facts

• In 1921, Czech playwright Karel Čapek released a science fiction play called Rossum's Universal Robots which introduced the idea of artificial people, which he named robots. This was the first known use of the word “robots.”

• In 1929, Japanese professor Makoto Nishimura built the first Japanese robot, named Gakutensoku which included features such as changing its facial expressions and moving its head and hands.

The Early Stages of AI

By the 1950s, the idea of AI was beginning to become more realistic. Mathematician and computer scientist, Alan Turing, published his work, Computer Machinery and Intelligence which eventually became The Turing Test. It was then used by experts to measure computer intelligence. To this day, the Turing Test is still heavily renowned in the field of AI work in terms of measuring the success of current AI systems. By the mid 1950s, the term “artificial intelligence” was coined and gained popularity. 

1950s Facts

• In 1952, a computer scientist named Arthur Samuel developed a program to play checkers, which was the first machine to ever learn the game independently.

• 1955: John McCarthy held a workshop at Dartmouth on “artificial intelligence” which is the first use of the word, and how it came into popular usage.

The development of AI technology is a fascinating area of topic to be further discussed; and it truly unlocks questions about how such possible advancements can even exist. However, one thing is for certain,  AI is rapidly growing with every day that passes by. Stay tuned for part two of this AI series!

Native American Heritage Month

Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer 

November is Native American Heritage Month. This was first declared in 1990 to recognize and shed light on the Native American experience in America. November calls attention to Native American culture, achievements, power, and their history of discovering America first. 

Heritage months are important as they provide moments to celebrate, support, educate, unite, gain perspective, and learn all about America’s intersectional identity. Native American Heritage Month is a month to learn and understand the fact that there were people on this land before not only us, but before colonizers as well. Recognizing the history of Native Americans allows us to recognize America’s ugly but truthful past and without this acknowledgment, we fail to learn from the mistakes made in the name of white supremacy.  

To support Native American Heritage Month, you can learn more about the Indigenous people who lived on the land you currently inhabit. You can also spread awareness and support of Native peoples, by continuing to educate yourself and others about the power that togetherness holds. By acknowledging the past, we can lead to a better future. 

The History of Vampires: Part 6 of Haunted Histories and Spooky Mysteries

Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer 

Vampires have become a huge part of media and Halloween celebrations. While they’re now seen in a powerful and attractive light, they weren’t always perceived as so approachable. Their origins are much deeper and darker than we think. 

Dracula is the oldest and most well-known vampire. He is based on the ruler Vlad Draculea who was known to kill his enemies and victims by sticking them on a wooden stake, letting them bleed out. Many said that Draculea would drink the blood of his enemies and this led to the creation of Count Dracula, the vampire. 

Vampires are immortal, drink blood, have fangs, and have extreme senses. If you watched any movie including vampires, you would have seen these qualities. The media is extremely obsessed with vampires as they give off a dangerous but attractive appeal. Movies such as Twilight glorified the blood-drinking monsters and vampires have been in the limelight ever since.

Vampires also rank as one of the highest costumes during Halloween. Need a last minute costume, a vampire is a great way to go. Pop in a set of fake fangs, add some fake blood, fashion a dark cape, and you are all set!

The History of Haunted Houses: Part 5 of Haunted Histories and Spooky Mysteries

Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer

The idea of haunted houses can be traced back many years.  We, as people, have always had a fascination with the unknown such as spirits, the paranormal, and ghosts. Homes that gave off an eerie feeling were associated with these unknowns. Creepy architecture and abandoned homes alluded to the idea that there was something scary behind their doors, giving the idea of haunted houses.  The enticing mystery behind closed doors made people want to go in and seek those hidden. 

The Orton and the Spooner Ghost House were the first haunted homes to charge admission. Opening in 1915, their use of props, sounds, and actors gave their United Kingdom audience something to yearn for during the spooky season. In more recent years, haunted houses have become a staple in celebrating Halloween. The haunted house industry makes roughly $300-500 million dollars each season. 

Colorado also participates in the haunted house experience. Here is a list of the most popular spots for you to visit, if you dare…

1. The Frightmare Compound

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2. 13th Floor

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3. Haunted Field of Screams 

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4. The Ritual Haunted House 

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5. Terror in the Corn

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The Superstition of Black Cats: Part 4 of Haunted Histories and Spooky Mysteries

Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer 

Black cats have been a symbol of Halloween for years and are referred to as scary and sneaky creatures. But why do we only do this with the pitch dark felines? The answer lies in history, folklore, and former beliefs. 

In early Christian culture, black cats were associated with satan and witches, and seen as direct embodiments of evil. Today, seeing a black cat in your path is viewed as a sign of bad luck, and even more so, as a bad omen! This is because the relationship between witches and cats has evolved over the years. Long ago, it was thought that witches could turn into these animals or that they sent the cat to harm you. Black cats with their glowing eyes could be a fright to see in the dark, so no wonder this superstition is still very much believed in! 

Due to the superstition of black cats, they have become a significant part of Halloween. Black cats are always a part of Halloween decorations or as inspiration for costumes. Unfortunately, these superstitions can lead to black cats being ignored, not adopted, and sometimes even hurt. Even though these furry friends are thought to be scary, black cats are just as cute and sweet as any other colored feline. With this new information, track how many black cats you see this Halloween!