Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we work and live. This non-technical course is designed to help you navigate the rapid rise of AI, regardless of whether you're looking to demystify the buzzwords or start using AI in your personal life, your company, or any other organisation.

Whether you're curious about how AI is shaping society or want to understand how to engage with it responsibly and effectively, this course will guide you through it all.

AI is widely expected to generate significant economic value. For instance, a study by the McKinsey Global Institute estimates that AI could contribute $13 to $22 trillion annually by 2033. Of this, around $4 trillion is projected to come from generative AI—a newer form of AI that creates high-quality text, images, and audio. However, most of the value will still come from more mature types of AI, such as supervised learning.

AI is already driving transformation in the software sector, but a considerable share of future value will come from non-software industries such as retail, transportation, manufacturing, and healthcare. In fact, it's hard to name an industry that won’t be significantly impacted by AI over the next several years.

As a light-hearted example, I once joked that hairdressing might be immune to AI disruption. But a robotics professor in the audience pointed out that even my hairstyle could be done by a robot—so perhaps no industry is completely out of reach.

Understanding AI: ANI vs. AGI

A lot of the current buzz around AI comes from a misunderstanding: AI actually refers to two very different concepts.

1. Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI):
   These are systems designed to perform one specific task extremely well. Examples include: 
   • Smart speakers
   • Self-driving cars
   • Web search engines
   • AI applications in farming or factories 
2. These are often called “one-trick ponies,” but when used correctly, they are incredibly valuable. 
3. Artificial General Intelligence (AGI):
   This refers to a more general-purpose AI that can perform any intellectual task a human can—possibly even more. AGI remains a long-term research goal and we’re still very far from achieving it.

The rapid progress in ANI and generative AI tools such as ChatGPT has led some to believe we are close to achieving AGI. This has fuelled unnecessary fears of sentient robots and AI takeovers. But while the progress is exciting, AGI will require multiple technological breakthroughs, and may take decades—or longer—to achieve.