Did you ask Siri for directions to soccer practice today or use face recognition to log on to your phone? That's AI.
The latest generation of tech tools uses artificial intelligence to perform everyday tasks. AI can speed up repetitive jobs and even be used in software to help with medical diagnoses. But when the intellectual property of writers, actors and artists is uploaded into AI systems and used without permission, AI can cause harm. In Smart Machines, young readers will look at the history of AI, how it works, how it's used for good and bad and the ethical issues it raises. They'll also discover how the risks of AI can be managed through responsible design, regulation and in the individual choices people make about which tools to use or those to avoid. AI isn't intelligent, but it's a tool that is revolutionizing robotics and computer programming-and it could change humanity forever.
The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.
Key Selling Points
• This STEAM book discusses the history of AI, what it is, how it works, how we use it in our lives, the good and the bad of the technology for humans and the planet, the ethical questions it raises and the future of AI.
• This topic is timely. Kids are using AI technology every day, including chat bots, facial recognition software on their cell phones, smart home devices and social media platforms such as Snapchat and Instagram.
• This book encourages kids to think critically about the role of AI in their lives and the ethics of using technology to help with homework assignments.
• This book has been fact-checked by experts in the field of AI including Derek Ruths at McGill University and Matt Hemsley at the University of Toronto.
• Helaine Becker is an award-winning science writer. She is the two-time winner of the Lane Anderson Award for science writing for children, as well as the Outstanding Youth Book Award from the Canadian Science Writers Association.
Part of the nonfiction Orca Think series for middle-grade readers, this illustrated book introduces young readers to artificial intelligence and how this technology will influence humanity now and in the future.
Helaine Becker is the award-winning author of more than 100 books for children, both nonfiction and fiction. She is the two-time winner of the Lane Anderson Award for science writing for children, as well as the Youth Book Award (Science Writers & Communicators of Canada (SWCC)) and the Libris Award for Picture Book of the Year Award (Canadian Booksellers Association). Two of her numerous math- and science-related books focus specifically on technology and robotics: Zoobots: Wild Robots Inspired by Real Animals and Hubots: Real-World Robots Inspired by Humans. Helaine's books have been translated into 14 languages, and she is a frequent speaker at schools, universities and conferences. The very first novel she wrote (and stuffed deep into a drawer, never to be seen again) was called Robot Girl and was about an AI clone of a teen prodigy.
Pui Yan Fong is an illustrator from Toronto. As an avid sports fan, her artwork is primarily focused on sports and editorial illustration. Her work has appeared in numerous publications and was featured in American Illustration and The Society of Illustrators. Some of her notable clients include Jordan Brand and MLSE. She enjoys reading and coming up with conceptual imagery. When she is not reading or drawing, she spends her time gaming. What's the big idea? Orca Think introduces us to the issues making headlines in the world today. It encourages us to question, connect and take action for a better future. With those tools we can all become better citizens. Now that's smart thinking! Artificial Intelligence Gets Real
