AAC and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Abstract

Artificially intelligent tools have given us the capability to use technology to address ever more complex challenges. What are the capabilities, challenges, and hazards of incorporating and developing this technology for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)? Artificial intelligence (AI) can be defined as the capability of a machine to imitate human intelligence. The goal of AI is to create machines that can use characteristics of human intelligence to solve problems and adapt to a changing environment. Harnessing the capabilities of AI tools has the potential to accelerate progress in serving individuals with complex communication needs. In this article, we discuss components of AI, including (a) knowledge representation, (b) reasoning, (c) natural language processing, (d) machine learning, (e) computer vision, and (f) robotics. For each AI component, we delve into the implications, promise, and precautions of that component for AAC.