the NSA has basically a version of “Skynet” from the Terminator series to track suspected terrorists and predict terrorist attacks (Minority Report, anyone?). And AI “hivemind” UNU correctly predicted the exact final score for this year’s Super Bowl.

Why do we need AI?

Internet of Things (IoT), which I’ve written about before. The IoT has all sorts of exciting implications, from automatically making coffee in the kitchen when your alarm goes off in your bedroom to being the foundation for connected smart cities. One thing is for certain: IoT will require a massive AI network.

How companies are using AI for good

identify a criminal just from a brief glimpse of their ear.

the first AI psychologist, Ellie, is already making big strides. Developed by DARPA and USC, Ellie can read 60 nonverbal cues per second to better sympathize with patients. Ellie recognizes the early warning signs of depression and can prevent soldier suicide much better than a human psychologist can. Perhaps most importantly, soldiers like talking to Ellie because AIs don’t judge.

catch dirty traders redhanded.

strong AI.

When AI looks more like Skynet

Darknet, an AI trading algorithm goes rogue. Without spoiling the story, Miller paints a fairly realistic (and terrifying) picture of what could happen if an extensive, strong AI pulls capitalistic levers as efficiently as possible without regard for human life.

they’re already hoarding all the AI talent.

OpenAI nonprofit to avoid a Skynet future. Even if you have the financial and human resources, can AI ultimately be controlled, or will it get beyond us?

crossing the line with respect to user data and privacy, recently patented a Big Brother-like AI that would essentially let it monitor everything you do in Windows to improve Bing’s search results. Some people might be totally fine with this and even find it convenient. Others may see it as an unethical way to compete with Google.

For now, AI wants to help

Ed Sappin is the CEO of Sappin Global Strategies (SGS), a strategy and investment firm dedicated to the innovation economy.