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AI isn’t just about chatbots and self-driving cars, although those things are pretty cool! It’s revolutionizing fields in ways you’d never expect. From decoding lost languages to exploring the deep sea, AI is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. So here are 8 of the most fascinating AI applications that might surprise you.

Plus, we’re giving away an HP Chromebook Plus with a 12-Month Google One AI Premium Plan! Find out how to enter at the end of the article.

 

1. Decoding ancient languages.

 

 

AI is helping linguists decipher lost languages by analysing ancient texts. Using algorithms, artificial neural networks predict missing words in ancient Greek manuscripts and Egyptian hieroglyphs. AI can even accelerate the translation of dead languages that have no modern equivalent. One example is China’s Oracle Bone Script, an ancient divination text carved into cattle bones and turtle shells!

 

2. Making masterpieces.

 

AI can already transform rough sketches into detailed artwork. Tools like Google’s AutoDraw guess what you’re trying to draw and complete it. It can also learn styles of famous artists and reproducing them.

But it’s an amazing collaborative tool for professional artists too. Artist Mario Klingemann worked with Google Arts and Culture’s AI Experiments project to create a series of AI-generated portraits. Meanwhile artist Sougwen Chung has programmed a robotic arm to mimic her painting style and contribute its own ideas!

 

3. Predicting earthquakes and natural disasters.

 

 

Despite all our best efforts, we’re still hit with natural disasters. That’s why AI is being deployed to detect early seismic activity patterns that humans can’t see. Google and Harvard developed an AI system that analysed data from 131,000 earthquakes and aftershocks.

And it’s not just what goes on underground. By analysing satellite images in real time, AI is also predicting wildfires based on weather and vegetation conditions. IN 2024, it helped to give warnings 10 days ahead of wildfires in Canada.

 

4. Recreating voices of historical figures.

 

AI models are analysing old recordings and reconstructing realistic speech. Projects like “AI Lincoln” allow historical figures to “speak” using AI-generated voices. And AI-powered voice cloning poignantly recreates passages of Anne Frank’s diary. When used sensitively, this could prove to be an incredible educational tool.

 

5. Bringing dreams to life.

 

 

AI models are interpreting brain activity to generate images based on dreams. Some AI projects are attempting to translate dream descriptions into visual animations. And AI-assisted dream journaling apps (like Dream Interpreter AI) can suggest themes and meaning based on past dream data.

 

6. Discovering new drugs and cures.

 

Lab work is vital, but done manually by technicians it can also be a gruelling process. AI can scan millions of molecular structures to discover potential new medicines. It might be able to speed up the process of finding life-saving drugs by years, and is even helping create personalised medicine tailored to an individual’s genetics. Though the technology is still new and unproven, the potential benefit to public health could be massive.

 

7. Design Board Games from scratch.

 

 

AI creates original board games, complete with rules and mechanics. It tests playability and adjusts difficulty levels dynamically, helping balance game mechanics for fairness and fun.

 

8. Make Deep-Sea Discoveries.

 

AI-powered submarines explore uncharted parts of the ocean. AI identifies new marine species by analyzing underwater footage, and maps the ocean floor faster than human researchers.

 

AI is more than just automation—it’s pushing the boundaries of science, creativity, and human potential.

These niche AI applications prove that its impact extends far beyond the tech industry. The future holds even wilder possibilities—what’s next for AI?

 

Giveaway Time!

 

 

Now that you’re thinking about the possibilities of AI, what would you love AI to help you with in your daily life? 

Share your answer below for a chance to win an HP Chromebook Plus with a 12-Month Google One AI Premium Plan!

The winner will be picked at random, so keep an eye on your inbox or DMs for a message from us. But hurry – the competition closes on 21st April at 23:59!

Reviewing documents and writing emails


I would love AI to help me plan my next holiday to Japan and then provide information and details when on my trip to make the experience even more relaxing.

 


If it could enter me in all similar competitions with a storming answer, awesome!


IT in general is supposed to make lives easier, so humans can rest. I'm hoping AI can push forward with that in both personal and business. Not at the detriment of employment status/pay, terms and conditions of course. 


What I would like AI to do is to not turn into Skynet and take over the world!


I work with children with autism and ADHD. I hope that AI will help them with practising social skills, rehearsing interactions - maybe it could give feedback and remind them of strategies.I know AI can also help with planning/organisation.


I would like AI to assess my strengths, weaknesses, skills and experience & find me job vacancies that I could realistically apply for. It should then formulate a workable plan to get the job, including highlighting areas that I need to focus on, and tips to improve.


I would love Ai to help in the nhs speed up reporting on blood tests, X-rays and scans. I had a lump removed and had to wait 6 weeks to find out it was malignant. 


I would love AI to be able to monitor the combination of medications that I take to ensure that they are the best for me,  As I currently take about 20 pills a day plus various lotions and inhalers, when a clinician makes adjustments , or my circumstances change it would be great if any clashes were immediately flagged.


Could AI help with the housework please?


I would like AI to deal with my tax return and minimise my liabilities !


I’d quite like to to help me  win an HP Chromebook Plus with a 12-Month Google One AI Premium Plan! 😁


I use AI chat bots like daily basis to help me reword emails text messages and also to understand large bodies of information. Plans continue to use AI to in any way that I can but also learn how to use it more effectively. If I won this competition it would help me most likely aid my son in his school homework and enabled learn more effectively alongside him.


I would like AI to help me revise. At the moment it can help me with individual topics, but i want it to help me revise the whole course and remember where I am, like a private tutor.  


Cooking, washing and ironing


AI Shopping tracker - so I don't have 8 tins of beans but no tinned tomatoes!


I'd love to see AI filter spam in emails and spam callers and work in the background when internet browsing to prevent data being collected without my knowledge


How would you love AI to help you with in your daily life? 

I’d imagine AI could make life smoother and more enriching by assisting with things like:

  1. Personalised productivity: Helping you plan your day, track goals, and stay motivated without becoming overwhelmed.

  2. Creative brainstorming: Collaborating on projects, offering fresh ideas, or even helping write that novel you’ve always dreamed of.

  3. Learning and exploration: Introducing new topics, languages, or skills tailored to your interests and pace.

  4. Streamlined tasks: Simplifying chores like meal planning, shopping lists, or finding the best route home during traffic.

  5. Companionship: Providing engaging conversations or simply being a sounding board when you need one.


AI might help me to diagnose minor ailments, and the best treatments available 

It would be great if Ai wasn’t intrusive & listened to our conversations though 🫤


I’d use AI to help provide quick overviews/reviews of: 

major shopping purchases eg white goods, electronics etc

medical conditions and their management/treatment

financial/tax issues


I would use AI to help me understand documents that I often struggle to read with my dyslexia. 


Would love to test Ai and see if it can get Bolton wanderers 3 points 


I would be over the moon if AI could get my 15 year old son to clean his room. I would be mind blown if AI could then get him to keep it clean 🤯


I would use AI to help me with my disabled children. I would have it remind me about medication, have it "hear" when my son is feeling anxious and automatically play calming music or breathing exercises. I would have it wake us up and turn on the kettle.


I would let it do all the tasks my partner gets me to do so I can go out and play more golf


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