After working 8 hours a day and spending another two hours in traffic, the last thing most people want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. With smart appliances, you can cut your time in the kitchen in half. Not only can you set up an automated cooking schedule for your crock pot, oven, or air fryer, but you can also automate some of the cleanings. Artificial intelligence (A.I.) is a hot topic these days. It's being used by everyone from Google to Facebook and Tesla to Amazon, and even governments around the world are starting to experiment with it. But what exactly does this technology do? And how can you use it yourself? To answer these questions, let's start by looking at some of its most prominent applications. It's also being built into every business process, industry, and even individual customer interaction, such as through chatbots. Augmented Intelligence is Set to Lead Decision Making You may have heard the phrase AI is not a replacement for human intelligence. While this is true, it's important to understand how AI will help us make better decisions and increase our productivity. Smart thermostats can sense air quality and carbon monoxide, and even help manage humidity levels within the home. There are smart air conditioners and air purifiers that work to keep the air in your home clean and safe. These systems can even be paired with a smart thermostat to make the process completely automated. The History of AI The term artificial intelligence was created in 1956, but machines that were able to learn human behaviors were created before then. Most AIs that were created in the 50s focused on problem-solving and performing mathematical computations. In the 60s, the government created AIs that would begin rudimentary human reasoning. Let s take a close look at smart technology and its modern connotations. Smart Technology Smart tech in its most basic form is machines or programs that allow web, mobile, sensor, and wireless access. These technologies allow users to interact with their environment in unique ways that require less physical effort, but often more brainpower.