In this issue, we focus on one of the hot topics of this age – artificial intelligence (AI). The impact of artificial intelligence is evident to everyone in the current age. However, the line between what qualifies and what doesn’t qualify as artificial intelligence has been the subject of lively debate. Interestingly, this debate has been a long standing one. In fact, the American computer scientist John McCarthy who is considered one of the fathers of artificial intelligence wrote an article in 1979 entitled “Ascribing Mental Qualities to Machines” (link) where he claimed that the humble thermostat has one mental quality that we usually attribute only to human beings – beliefs (knowledge, free will, intentions, consciousness, abilities or wants are examples of other qualities that we usually attribute only to sentient beings). In it he wrote – “Machines as simple as thermostats can be said to have beliefs, and having beliefs seems to be a characteristic of most machines capable of problem-solving performance.” When asked what beliefs does the thermostat have he said – ‘My thermostat has three beliefs — it’s too hot in here, it’s too cold in here, and it’s just right in here.’ We will leave it to the reader to decide whether they believe thermostats are sentient machines or not.

In this issue we have an article by our editor Aditya on open source tools in AI/automation. We also start a new series called volunteer spotlight where as the name suggests we shine the spotlight on a valued IEEE volunteer. We have a report on the event “Engineering your career” that focussed on navigating the transition from student life to becoming a full-time engineer. Our next article is a report on a Career craft workshop that focussed on resume writing and interviewing skills.

We hope this issue inspires our young professional reader to learn more about the fascinating field of artificial intelligence and carve a career for themselves in the growing industry of AI and automation.

As always, I’d like to invite our readers to connect with us. Your feedback is always appreciated. Whether you have an article to share, want to join our team, or simply wish to give us feedback, please don’t hesitate to contact us at: IMPACTblog@ieee.org

Warmest regards,

Dr Arjun Shetty
Editor-in-Chief, IEEE YP IMPACT Blog