Few technological advances can match the revolutionary potential of artificial intelligence -- the capacity for a computer to perform humanlike intellectual processes. First developed during in the 1940s, modern A.I. features specially designed computers that can "think" similarly to humans. One example is IBM's Deep Blue, which beat the world's best chess player, demonstrating the computer's ability to interpret data logically, reason and make decisions. A.I. is also being used to assist doctors in making medical diagnoses. While no program or computer exists that can currently match man's full intellectual capacity, that day may not be far off.

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