How Data Mining is Redefining AI and Machine Learning

Exploring the Synergy between Data Mining and AI in Advancing Machine Learning Technologies

Data mining, the process of discovering patterns and extracting valuable information from large datasets, has been a crucial component in the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies. With the exponential growth of data generated by various industries, businesses, and individuals, the importance of data mining has become even more pronounced. The synergy between data mining and AI has led to the development of innovative machine learning algorithms and models that can analyze and interpret complex data, enabling machines to learn from experience and make intelligent decisions.

The evolution of AI and machine learning technologies has been driven by the increasing availability of data and the development of sophisticated data mining techniques. Data mining has enabled researchers and engineers to extract useful information from massive datasets, which can be used to train machine learning models. These models can then be used to make predictions, identify patterns, and solve complex problems across various domains, such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.

One of the key aspects of data mining that has contributed to the growth of AI and machine learning is feature extraction. Feature extraction involves identifying and selecting the most relevant variables or attributes from a dataset, which can be used to build predictive models. By selecting the most important features, data mining techniques can help reduce the complexity of machine learning models, making them more efficient and accurate.

Another significant contribution of data mining to AI and machine learning is the development of advanced algorithms for data preprocessing and transformation. Data preprocessing is an essential step in the machine learning process, as it helps clean and prepare the data for analysis. Data mining techniques, such as data cleaning, normalization, and transformation, can help improve the quality of the data and enhance the performance of machine learning models.

Moreover, data mining has played a crucial role in the development of unsupervised learning techniques, which are a subset of machine learning algorithms that do not require labeled data for training. Unsupervised learning techniques, such as clustering and dimensionality reduction, can help discover hidden patterns and structures in the data, which can be used to build more robust and accurate machine learning models.

The synergy between data mining and AI has also led to the emergence of new machine learning paradigms, such as deep learning and reinforcement learning. Deep learning, a subset of machine learning that involves training artificial neural networks to recognize patterns and make decisions, has been greatly influenced by data mining techniques. Data mining has enabled the development of advanced deep learning algorithms, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and recurrent neural networks (RNNs), which can process and analyze large volumes of data with high accuracy.

Reinforcement learning, another important area of AI and machine learning, has also benefited from data mining techniques. Reinforcement learning involves training machines to make decisions based on the outcomes of their actions, with the goal of maximizing a reward signal. Data mining has helped in the development of efficient reinforcement learning algorithms, such as Q-learning and deep Q-networks (DQNs), which can learn from large amounts of data and adapt to changing environments.

In conclusion, the synergy between data mining and AI has been instrumental in redefining the landscape of machine learning technologies. The advancements in data mining techniques have enabled the development of innovative machine learning algorithms and models that can process and analyze large volumes of data with high accuracy. As the amount of data generated by various industries continues to grow, the importance of data mining in the advancement of AI and machine learning technologies will only increase. The future of AI and machine learning will be shaped by the continuous evolution of data mining techniques and their integration with cutting-edge technologies, leading to more intelligent and efficient machines that can solve complex problems and make better decisions.

Machine Learning – What it is and why it matters

Machine learning is a method of data analysis that automates analytical model building. It is a branch of artificial intelligence based on the idea that systems can learn from data, identify patterns and make decisions with minimal human intervention.

Evolution of machine learning

Because of new computing technologies, machine learning today is not like machine learning of the past. It was born from pattern recognition and the theory that computers can learn without being programmed to perform specific tasks; researchers interested in artificial intelligence wanted to see if computers could learn from data. The iterative aspect of machine learning is important because as models are exposed to new data, they are able to independently adapt. They learn from previous computations to produce reliable, repeatable decisions and results. It’s a science that’s not new – but one that has gained fresh momentum.

While many machine learning algorithms have been around for a long time, the ability to automatically apply complex mathematical calculations to big data – over and over, faster and faster – is a recent development. Here are a few widely publicized examples of machine learning applications you may be familiar with:

  • The heavily hyped, self-driving Google car? The essence of machine learning.
  • Online recommendation offers such as those from Amazon and Netflix? Machine learning applications for everyday life.
  • Knowing what customers are saying about you on Twitter? Machine learning combined with linguistic rule creation.
  • Fraud detection? One of the more obvious, important uses in our world today.

Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

While artificial intelligence (AI) is the broad science of mimicking human abilities, machine learning is a specific subset of AI that trains a machine how to learn. Watch this video to better understand the relationship between AI and machine learning. You’ll see how these two technologies work, with useful examples and a few funny asides.

Why is machine learning important?

Resurging interest in machine learning is due to the same factors that have made data mining and Bayesian analysis more popular than ever. Things like growing volumes and varieties of available data, computational processing that is cheaper and more powerful, and affordable data storage.

All of these things mean it’s possible to quickly and automatically produce models that can analyze bigger, more complex data and deliver faster, more accurate results – even on a very large scale. And by building precise models, an organization has a better chance of identifying profitable opportunities – or avoiding unknown risks.

What’s required to create good machine learning systems?

  • Data preparation capabilities.
  • Algorithms – basic and advanced.
  • Automation and iterative processes.
  • Scalability.
  • Ensemble modeling.
Machine learning infographic

Did you know?

  • In machine learning, a target is called a label.
  • In statistics, a target is called a dependent variable.
  • A variable in statistics is called a feature in machine learning.
  • A transformation in statistics is called feature creation in machine learning.

Machine learning in today’s world

By using algorithms to build models that uncover connections, organizations can make better decisions without human intervention. Learn more about the technologies that are shaping the world we live in.

White Paper

Opportunities and challenges for machine learning in business

This O’Reilly white paper provides a practical guide to implementing machine-learning applications in your organization.

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Fact Sheet

Expand your skill set

Get in-depth instruction and free access to SAS Software to build your machine learning skills. Courses include: 14 hours of course time, 90 days free software access in the cloud, a flexible e-learning format, with no programming skills required. 

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Will machine learning change your organization?

This Harvard Business Review Insight Center report looks at how machine learning will change companies and the way we manage them.   

Applying machine learning to IoT

Machine learning can be used to achieve higher levels of efficiency, particularly when applied to the Internet of Things. This article explores the topic.

Read the IoT article

Who’s using it?

Most industries working with large amounts of data have recognized the value of machine learning technology. By gleaning insights from this data – often in real time – organizations are able to work more efficiently or gain an advantage over competitors.

Financial services

Banks and other businesses in the financial industry use machine learning technology for two key purposes: to identify important insights in data, and prevent fraud. The insights can identify investment opportunities, or help investors know when to trade. Data mining can also identify clients with high-risk profiles, or use cybersurveillance to pinpoint warning signs of fraud.

Government

Government agencies such as public safety and utilities have a particular need for machine learning since they have multiple sources of data that can be mined for insights. Analyzing sensor data, for example, identifies ways to increase efficiency and save money. Machine learning can also help detect fraud and minimize identity theft.

Health care

Machine learning is a fast-growing trend in the health care industry, thanks to the advent of wearable devices and sensors that can use data to assess a patient’s health in real time. The technology can also help medical experts analyze data to identify trends or red flags that may lead to improved diagnoses and treatment. 

Retail

Websites recommending items you might like based on previous purchases are using machine learning to analyze your buying history.  Retailers rely on machine learning to capture data, analyze it and use it to personalize a shopping experience, implement a marketing campaign, price optimization, merchandise planning, and for customer insights.   

Oil and gas

Finding new energy sources. Analyzing minerals in the ground. Predicting refinery sensor failure. Streamlining oil distribution to make it more efficient and cost-effective. The number of machine learning use cases for this industry is vast – and still expanding.

Transportation

Analyzing data to identify patterns and trends is key to the transportation industry, which relies on making routes more efficient and predicting potential problems to increase profitability. The data analysis and modeling aspects of machine learning are important tools to delivery companies, public transportation and other transportation organizations.