Artificial intelligence (AD)(人工智能) is the ability of a computer program or a machine. The computer or the machine with AI can think and learn. It is also a field of study that tries to make computers “smart”. John McCarthy, a scientist, came up with (提出) the name “artificial intelligence” over 60 years ago. Many things such as learning and problem solving can be done by computers, though not in the same way as people do.

An unusual goal of Al research is to create special computer programs. They can learn, solve problems, and think logically(逻辑地). At present, Al can successfully understand human speech, recognize (识别) human faces, operate self-driving cars and compete in some game systems like playing Chess. However, some people consider (认为) AI a danger to humans if it develops too quickly. A famous British scientist also was not for this kind of technology.

Math is the basic language of AL. If students are good at math, they will be more likely to become successful AI designers (设计者)in the future. We need not only bright students but also average (普通的) students. As for (对于) average students, if they get enough math skills, they can also become successful AI designers. Besides, a good knowledge of computer science is also necessary for AI designing.

Scientists hope to create creative (有创造力的) and emotional (有情感的) Al. The AI can possibly understand human feelings or create art. Many ways and tools have been tried to discover this wide and exciting field.

Space tourism is not all about rockets— space balloons can do it too! The Spanish company HALO Space had the first unmanned test flight (飞行测试) of its balloon in December 2022. It will compete with several other companies in the space-traveling business.

The test lasted 4 hours. The balloon reached 37 kilometers above Earth. People would see Earth from the blackness of space, said the Daily Mail. By 2029, the company plans to carry 3,000 passengers on 400 trips a year. The ticket for each trip will cost between 100,000 and 200,000 US dollars (about 696,000 to 1,392,000 yuan).

The test balloon is 773 kilograms, with a diameter (直径) between 110 and 130 meters (the length of a soccer field). It is filled with hydrogen (氢气), which is much lighter than air. When it flies, it lifts the capsule (舱) connected to it. The capsule can carry eight passengers and a pilot. Passengers can enjoy the 360-degree view through the big windows. To ensure people’s safety, the capsule is also equipped with parachutes (降落伞).

Another company, the US-based Space Perspective, said that such trips are about relaxation (放松). Their balloon rises slowly at about 300 meters per minute, and takes about two hours to fly to 30 kilometers. Space Perspective is planning to fly their balloons from ships on the sea. Then people can enjoy sunrise and sunset there!

What will your life be like in the future? Look at the three inventions.