Dr. Greg Price told Troy Rotarians artificial intelligence could be a powerful tool, but some of its capabilities are overhyped. 

Price is Troy University’s chief technology and security officer as well as the author of six books on cybersecurity. Prior to his 29 years at Troy University, Price worked for IBM on the Deep Blue project – a computer that defeated world chess champion Gary Kasparov in a six game match by winning two games and drawing three. 

Price told Rotarians that AI applications have been around for a very long time. He said AI dates back for more than 60 years. 

“Aritificial Intelligence from a computer science or technology perspective has been around for a very long time,” Price said. “The notion of artificial intelligence dates back to the 1940s. IBM was using some very interesting computer technology during WWII to do predictive analysis.”

Price said in his line of work – cybersecurity – at Troy University, they had been using AI since the 1990s. He said AI could analyze tremendous amounts of data and to help make better decisions, how to improve student recruitment, where to deploy certain programs and so forth. 

Price said today, most people have utilized artificial intelligence whether they realize it or not. He said AI is incorporated into everything from automated spell checking to suggestions for writing emails or sending texts. He said AI was also utilized by various streaming services as well. 

Price said AI can be an incredibly useful tool, but does have its limitations.