What are Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence is a branch of technology that empowers machines to learn automatically from its surrounding and use this knowledge to define future actions. Once this capability is created, the machines can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.

Machine Learning is a subset of Artificial Intelligence that deals with the learning algorithms employed for this purpose. Based on the requirements, the learning process can be more or less intensive.

What are the Opportunities for a Qualified AI & ML Engineer?

Over the last decade or so, AI techniques have progressed in leaps and bounds. With the advent of automation in every field, more machines are required to take decisions on the go. It started with simple techniques used for optical character recognition or household devices / chat bots and has moved on to incredibly complicated machines like automatic vehicles / robot receptionists or restaurant servers.

This deluge of development activities in AI and ML technologies has created thousands of new opportunities for professionals in this area. As pr Forbes, AI and ML together will create about a staggering 133 million new roles worldwide by 2022. In addition, AI and ML and related technologies command the second highest median salary among all IT related fields. However, there is a huge shortage of qualified professionals in these fields and aspiring engineers need to train up to grab these positions.

What are the options to become a qualified AI & ML expert?

An AI & ML engineer needs to be knowledgeable in the following domains in order to qualify:

• Sound knowledge of existing learning algorithms and their background mathematics

• Expertise in the subject of neural networks and their applications

• Practical knowledge of Human-Computer Interactions (HCI) to ensure a real-life experience

• Expertise on subjects like Natural Language Processing (NLP), Computer Vision, reasoning and planning

The traditional approach to acquire this expertise has been to complete B-Tech in CSE or IT, followed by a professional certification course. There are a number of courses offered by various institutes and other trainings company. However, given the high demand, these courses are quite costly, with fees starting from 2 lakhs onwards.

To mitigate this issue, integrated courses have been approved by AICTE and an undergraduate course providing a ‘B-Tech in CSE with specialization in AI & ML’ is now being offered. This course combines the best of both worlds and is designed to create readymade AL & ML experts within a 4-year period.