The impact of Google Crowdsource on our daily lives

On August 29, 2016, Google Crowdsource, a platform developed by Google with the aim of improving many of its services through the training of Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms, with the help of volunteer users, was launched for the first time. This help allows the AI to learn new skills and study a large amount of information that enhances its ability to be implemented in the various tools that the company offers (Google Translate, Maps, Photos, Assistant, among others).

Well, now, what is the impact that this community training project of Artificial Intelligence algorithms has on the life of the user of the various Google tools?.

To begin with, I will define in a few words what Artificial Intelligence is. 

In Computer Science, AI is the simulation of human intelligence by machines through algorithms and pre-established information in databases, which, after being processed, is executed autonomously to provide answers to problems presented by humans and/or by other machines or algorithms.

This technology is part of our life in various ways. From the moment we wake up in the morning, during the day and until we go back to sleep at night, even during our rest, Artificial Intelligence is present. In a Smartphone, in a notebook, in an intelligent clock, in a social network, in an ATM and even in cars, lifts and security cameras with facial recognition, this hegemonic technology is present complementing our what to do, directly or indirectly, without us noticing.

In the case of Google's tools, Artificial Intelligence is a fundamental axis, since it supports almost all of its products. From a simple search in the search engine, to the execution of any application in Android, to the search of videos in YouTube and up to the translation of texts in Google Translator, a search in Google Maps or the use of the powerful Google Lens, the artificial intelligence is present playing an elemental role in the operation. 

How do you do it?

Through the collection and processing of millions of pieces of data established in databases and the work of Machine Learning, an algorithm in charge of automatically teaching machines to solve new problems, behaviours and simple and complex patterns, among many other things.

This is where the importance of Google Crowdsource lies. The collaboration of the user in the resolution of short tasks or the contribution of minimal information (images, translations, transcription of handwritten texts, etc.) contributes to the increase in "study material" and training of the aforementioned Machine Learning that Google uses to improve that Artificial Intelligence that is the essence of the tools that we all use every day. 

The impact of this project is felt when searching on the search engine, in the image section or in the videos, we find the desired information or material, when searching on Google Maps we find a specific place, be it a business, a square or a museum, when we translate, using the Google Translator, a document, a website or a conversation and we manage to access more information available in other languages with a simple click or communicate with someone on the other side of the world who speaks a language totally different from ours. In my opinion, the impact that this project has is fundamental, positive and represents an informative and technological revolution since it breaks cultural barriers by making information and knowledge more accessible and the Internet a more enjoyable, interesting and infinite place in the possibilities that it opens for everyone with the purpose of growth, development, and why not, of enjoying everything that the Internet and the new technologies linked to Google have for the user and the world in general. 

Access to the project platform: crowdsource.google.com