Initially, Artificial Intelligence (AI) seemed closer to science fiction than to a concrete reality. However, projects like FoldIt and AlphaFold demonstrated that AI had revolutionary potential in various fields, from entertainment to medicine. FoldIt was a pioneer in utilizing distributed computing power to solve scientific problems, such as protein folding, involving ordinary people in research. On the other hand, AlphaFold, based on deep learning and Reinforcement Learning (RL) techniques, achieved precise predictions of the three-dimensional structure of proteins, significantly impacting modern science.
In parallel, advancements in AI were reflected in video games, where models like Deep Q-Network (DQN) demonstrated human-like learning ability. The AI's ability to strategically plan long-term in games like Go marked a milestone in the evolution of this technology, whose potential was solidified with AlphaGo's victory over the world champion of Go.
The trajectory of DeepMind, the company behind these achievements, did not go unnoticed. Recognitions such as the Turing Award for Sutton and Barto in 2024, as well as the Nobel Prize in Chemistry that same year for the Hassabis team for their work on protein folding, highlighted the relevance of AI in science and technology. The creation of AlphaFold2 in 2020, with accurate predictions of protein structures, further solidified AI's influence in fields such as drug development and biotechnology.
Given the rapid advancement of AI, a debate arises over its regulation. Proposals like the establishment of an international AI oversight body seek to mitigate risks associated with the uncontrolled use of this technology. The importance of regulating AI becomes evident, considering its impact not only technologically but also politically. The history of AI, from its use in video games to its role in solving complex scientific problems, underscores the importance of recognizing its potential and promoting its development ethically and responsibly.
