By: Executive Office of the PresidentNational Science and Technology CouncilCommittee on Technology
October 2016
Dear colleagues:
Advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology have opened up new markets and new opportunities for progress in critical areas such as health, education, energy,and the environment. In recent years, machines have surpassed humans in the performance of certain specific tasks,such assome aspects ofimage recognition. Expertsforecast that rapid progress in the field of specialized artificial intelligence will continue. Although it is very unlikely that machines will exhibit broadly-applicableintelligence comparable to or exceeding that of humans in the next 20 years, it is to be expected that machines will reach and exceed human performance on more and more tasks.As a contribution toward preparingthe United States for a future in which AIplays a growingrole, this report surveys the current state of AI, its existing and potential applications, and the questions that areraisedfor society and public policyby progress in AI.Thereport also makes recommendations for specific further actions by Federal agencies and other actors. A companion document lays out a strategic plan for Federally-funded research and development in AI. Additionally, in the coming months, the Administration will release a follow-on report exploring in greater depth the effect of AI-driven automation on jobs and the economy.