Artificial Intelligence

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Technology, machines, and software that have the ability to be self-directed and learn from their actions are generally known as artificial intelligence. In the early days of computing, RAND researchers examined and tried to develop such technology and apply it for use in political and military simulations.

  • Commentary

    The AI Conspiracy Theories Are Coming

    Artificial intelligence is a technology ready-made for conspiratorial thinking. The time to counter conspiracy theories about AI is now—before they take hold in the minds of the public.

    Jun 22, 2023

  • Q&A

    AI, ChatGPT, and Language as Technology: Q&A with William Marcellino

    William Marcellino, a senior behavioral and social scientist at RAND and professor at the Pardee RAND Graduate School, discusses the rapidly expanding reach of artificial intelligence, the challenges it could pose for both society and policymakers, and how the research community is poised to help.

    May 12, 2023

Explore Artificial Intelligence

  • AI robot pressing a nuclear launch button.

    Article

    How Artificial Intelligence Could Increase the Risk of Nuclear War

    Advances in AI have provoked a new kind of arms race among nuclear powers. This technology could challenge the basic rules of nuclear deterrence and lead to catastrophic miscalculations.

    Apr 24, 2018

  • Artificial intelligence playing Go

    Report

    How Might Artificial Intelligence Affect the Risk of Nuclear War?

    Experts agree that AI has significant potential to upset the foundations of nuclear security. But there are also ways that machines could help ease distrust among international powers and decrease the risk of nuclear war.

    Apr 24, 2018

  • Abstract map of earth with futuristic, technological details

    Project

    Exploring the Future of Global Security

    What should security policymakers be planning for in the next 20 years? Security 2040 aims to answer that question by exploring how new technologies, evolving trends, and big ideas are shaping the future of global security.

    Apr 23, 2018

  • William Welser IV, Rebecca Balebako, and Osonde Osoba in a RAND panel discussion in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, February 20, 2018

    Blog

    'Alexa, What Do You Know About Me, and Who Are You Telling?'

    RAND experts held a wide-ranging discussion about artificial intelligence and privacy. They raised questions about fairness and equity regarding privacy and data use, while also highlighting positive trends and developments across the evolving AI-privacy landscape.

    Mar 1, 2018

  • Composite impage of a hand holding a digital device locked with a padlock symbol

    Multimedia

    The Collision of AI and Privacy

    In this Events @ RAND podcast, RAND experts discuss risks to privacy in the age of artificial intelligence.

    Feb 20, 2018

  • A child poses with a Lego Boost set, a predicted top seller this Christmas, at the Hamleys toy store in London, Britain, October 12, 2017

    Commentary

    Smart Toys May Pose Risks

    Parents shouldn't avoid buying smart toys during the holidays, particularly if these devices top children's Christmas lists. But parents should definitely be wary of the security and privacy risks that smart toys can pose.

    Dec 21, 2017

  • Robots working in a factory

    Report

    The Risks of AI to Security and the Future of Work

    As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more prevalent in the domains of security and employment, what are the policy implications? What effects might AI have on cybersecurity, criminal and civil justice, and labor market patterns?

    Dec 6, 2017

  • Robots working with cardboard boxes on a conveyer belt

    Commentary

    AI's Promise and Risks

    Artificial intelligence seems to be advancing faster than efforts to understand its potential consequences, good and bad. And discussions about AI often veer toward extremes. More balanced, rigorous analysis is needed to help shape policies that mitigate AI's risks and maximize its benefits.

    Oct 24, 2017

  • Scales of justice in front of computer monitors with code

    Commentary

    The Intersection of Algorithms and an Individual's Rights

    Data collection, and our reliance on it, have evolved extremely rapidly. The resulting algorithms have proved invaluable for organizing, evaluating and utilizing information. How do individuals' rights come in to play, when data about their lives is compiled to create algorithms, and the resulting tools are applied to judge them?

    Sep 29, 2017

  • U.S. ground troops patrol while robots carry their equipment and drones serve as spotters

    Commentary

    Artificial Intelligence and the Military

    AI has many possible applications for the military, such as providing unpredictable and adaptive adversaries for training fighter pilots. But what are the implications of AI adoption?

    Sep 7, 2017

  • Journal Article

    Journal Article

    Machine Learning Versus Standard Techniques for Updating Searches for Systematic Reviews: A Diagnostic Accuracy Study

    Machine-learning methods can help decrease the effort involved in updating searches for systematic reviews.

    Aug 1, 2017

  • Periodical

    Periodical

    RAND Review: July-August 2017

    This issue highlights recent RAND research on the prevalence and burden of chronic health conditions; on the economic benefits of U.S. overseas security commitments; and on what RAND is doing to anticipate emerging global security challenges.

    Jul 11, 2017

  • A green globe illustration

    Q&A

    Global Risks in 2040: Q&A with Andrew Parasiliti

    Andrew Parasiliti discusses how the RAND Center for Global Risk and Security is envisioning the world in 2040, and the security challenges that will shape it.

    Jun 30, 2017

  • Humanoid robot touching a computer screen

    Report

    The Risks of Bias and Errors in Artificial Intelligence

    Machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) influence many aspects of life today. These agents are not exempt from errors or bias because they are designed, built, and taught by humans. While AI has great promise, using it introduces a new level of risk and complexity in policy.

    Apr 5, 2017

  • Events @ RAND Audio Podcast

    Multimedia

    What Is the Future of Artificial Intelligence?

    In this Events @ RAND podcast, a panel of experts discusses the role of AI in society, including its incredible promise and the pressing concerns it presents.

    Dec 14, 2016

  • The autonomous ship

    Commentary

    Killer Robots: Moral Concerns vs. Military Advantages

    The U.S. military should balance Americans' ethical concerns over computers making life and death decisions with the need to maintain an edge in the face of rapid advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning across the globe.

    Nov 4, 2016

  • Aerographer's mates stand by as an unmanned underwater vehicle leaves the surface to search for mines as part of a training exercise

    Commentary

    The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Intelligence Agencies

    The defense community has already begun a healthy dialogue about the ethics of AI in combat systems. The intelligence community should develop standards for AI risk assessments and assign responsibility for conducting them.

    Jul 18, 2016

  • The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Legged Squad Support System can relieve troops of their 100-pound equipment load, take voice commands, and maneuver around obstacles, in addition to numerous other tasks in the field

    Commentary

    Should We Fear an AI Arms Race?

    Stephen Hawking, Elon Musk, Steve Wozniak, and others signed a letter calling for a ban on the application of artificial intelligence to advanced weapons systems. AI weapons are not without risks, but the benefits are substantial and the risks can be mitigated with more moderate regulation than a ban.

    Feb 8, 2016

  • The humanoid robot AILA (artificial intelligence lightweight android) operates a switchboard during a demonstration at the CeBit computer fair in Hanover, Germany, March, 5, 2013

    Commentary

    How to Overcome the Risks of Artificial Intelligence

    The warnings and promises of artificial intelligence aren't new, but advances in technology make them more pressing.

    Oct 22, 2015

  • Illustration of a game show with three players and a host, image by Olga Kurbatova/Getty Images

    Blog

    Test Your RAND Knowledge on Jeopardy!

    RAND was once a category on the long-running TV game show Jeopardy! How much money could you have won? Take the quiz and find out.

    May 5, 2015

  • Topic Synonyms:
  • AI