History

The development of AI is somewhat similar to that of ordinary computers. The coherent area of AI research is about 40 years old. With a slow beginning it started to take off only in the recent past. The development of AI dates from the early 1900's when a Spanish Inventor Torres.Y.Quevedo built a machine that could checkmate its opponent with a rook and a king with a king. Systematic work began with the introduction of the digital computer. It all started in the 1956 Dartmouth conference where ten young and ambitious researchers got together with the dream of creating a machine that could think. Their hypothesis was that mechanisms of human thought could be precisely modelled and simulated in a digital computer. This is what the whole foundation of AI is based on. Then came the pattern recognition systems and expert systems all within a short interval. Past failures and new technology provided to more information to build on.

Future

Much work is yet to be done to reach a satisfactory level in the development of AI. Traditional programming methods are not at all adequate for AI development. A new methodology has to come into existence. But, of course, these are in the process of evolving currently. The number of scientists and professionals dealing with AI are on the increase constantly. Governmental support is also encouraging.

One challenge that AI may face in the future is the "Human Identity Crisis". AI tends to pose a psychological threat to people who seem to think that their identity lies in the difference between the mind and the machine. AI may re-evaluate the existing systems of belief including religious beliefs which may cause concern among a lot of people. AI reaching irresponsible hands may also prove to be fatal.

But all these challenges are not at all a threat to the development of AI at the moment. Maybe they'll cease completely when people gain a proper understanding about them as time goes on. To sum up the future of AI in one word, GREAT!.