What Is Machine Learning?

Machine learning (ML) is a discipline of artificial intelligence

(AI) that provides machines with the ability to automatically
learn from data and past experiences while identifying
patterns to make predictions with minimal human
intervention.

Machine learning methods enable computers to operate

autonomously without explicit programming. ML applications are fed
with new data, and they can independently learn, grow, develop,
and adapt.

Machine learning derives insightful information from large volumes

of data by leveraging algorithms to identify patterns and learn in an
iterative process. ML algorithms use computation methods to learn
directly from data instead of relying on any predetermined equation
that may serve as a model.

The performance of ML algorithms adaptively improves with an

increase in the number of available samples during the ‘learning’
processes. For example,deep learning is a sub-domain of machine
learning that trains computers to imitate natural human traits like
learning from examples. It offers better performance parameters
than conventional ML algorithms.

While machine learning is not a new concept – dating back to World

War II when the Enigma Machine was used – the ability to apply
complex mathematical calculations automatically to growing
volumes and varieties of available data is a relatively recent
development.
Today, with the rise of big data, IoT, and ubiquitous computing,
machine learning has become essential for solving problems across
numerous areas, such as

 Computational finance (credit scoring, algorithmic trading)

 Computer vision (facial recognition, motion tracking, object
detection)
 Computational biology (DNA sequencing, brain tumor
detection, drug discovery)
 Automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing (predictive
maintenance)
 Natural language processing (voice recognition)

How does machine learning work?

Machine learning algorithms are molded on a training dataset to
create a model. As new input data is introduced to the trained ML
algorithm, it uses the developed model to make a prediction.

How Machine Learning Works

Note: The above illustration discloses a high-level use case

scenario. However, typical machine learning examples may involve
many other factors, variables, and steps.

Further, the prediction is checked for accuracy. Based on its

accuracy, the ML algorithm is either deployed or trained repeatedly
with an augmented training dataset until the desired accuracy is
achieved.

See More:What Is Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a Service?

Definition, Architecture, and Trends
Types of Machine Learning
Machine learning algorithms can be trained in many ways, with each
method having its pros and cons. Based on these methods and ways
of learning, machine learning is broadly categorized into four main
types:

Types of Machine Learning

1. Supervised machine learning

This type of ML involves supervision, where machines are trained on
labeled datasets and enabled to predict outputs based on the
provided training. The labeled dataset specifies that some input and
output parameters are already mapped. Hence, the machine is
trained with the input and corresponding output. A device is made
to predict the outcome using the test dataset in subsequent phases.

For example, consider an input dataset of parrot and crow images.

Initially, the machine is trained to understand the pictures, including
the parrot and crow’s color, eyes, shape, and size. Post-training, an
input picture of a parrot is provided, and the machine is expected to
identify the object and predict the output. The trained machine
checks for the various features of the object, such as color, eyes,
shape, etc., in the input picture, to make a final prediction. This is
the process of object identification in supervised machine learning.

The primary objective of the supervised learning technique is to

map the input variable (a) with the output variable (b). Supervised
machine learning is further classified into two broad categories:

 Classification: These refer to algorithms that address

classification problems where the output variable is
categorical; for example, yes or no, true or false, male or
female, etc. Real-world applications of this category are
evident in spam detection and email filtering.

Some known classification algorithms include the Random Forest

Algorithm, Decision Tree Algorithm, Logistic Regression Algorithm,
and Support Vector Machine Algorithm.

 Regression: Regression algorithms handle regression

problems where input and output variables have a linear
relationship. These are known to predict continuous output
variables. Examples include weather prediction, market
trend analysis, etc.
Popular regression algorithms include the Simple Linear Regression
Algorithm, Multivariate Regression Algorithm, Decision Tree
Algorithm, and Lasso Regression.

2. Unsupervised machine learning

Unsupervised learning refers to a learning technique that’s devoid of
supervision. Here, the machine is trained using an unlabeled dataset
and is enabled to predict the output without any supervision. An
unsupervised learning algorithm aims to group the unsorted dataset
based on the input’s similarities, differences, and patterns.

For example, consider an input dataset of images of a fruit-filled

container. Here, the images are not known to the machine learning
model. When we input the dataset into the ML model, the task of the
model is to identify the pattern of objects, such as color, shape, or
differences seen in the input images and categorize them. Upon
categorization, the machine then predicts the output as it gets
tested with a test dataset.

Unsupervised machine learning is further classified into two types:

 Clustering: The clustering technique refers to grouping

objects into clusters based on parameters such as
similarities or differences between objects. For example,
grouping customers by the products they purchase.

Some known clustering algorithms include the K-Means Clustering

Algorithm, Mean-Shift Algorithm, DBSCAN Algorithm, Principal
Component Analysis, and Independent Component Analysis.

 Association: Association learning refers to identifying

typical relations between the variables of a large dataset. It
determines the dependency of various data items and maps
 associated variables. Typical applications include web usage
mining and market data analysis.

Popular algorithms obeying association rules include the Apriori

Algorithm, Eclat Algorithm, and FP-Growth Algorithm.

3. Semi-supervised learning
Semi-supervised learning comprises characteristics of both
supervised and unsupervised machine learning. It uses the
combination of labeled and unlabeled datasets to train its
algorithms. Using both types of datasets, semi-supervised learning
overcomes the drawbacks of the options mentioned above.

Consider an example of a college student. A student learning a

concept under a teacher’s supervision in college is termed
supervised learning. In unsupervised learning, a student self-learns
the same concept at home without a teacher’s guidance.
Meanwhile, a student revising the concept after learning under the
direction of a teacher in college is a semi-supervised form of
learning.

4. Reinforcement learning
Reinforcement learning is a feedback-based process. Here, the AI
component automatically takes stock of its surroundings by the hit
& trial method, takes action, learns from experiences, and improves
performance. The component is rewarded for each good action and
penalized for every wrong move. Thus, the reinforcement learning
component aims to maximize the rewards by performing good
actions.

Unlike supervised learning, reinforcement learning lacks labeled

data, and the agents learn via experiences only. Consider video
games. Here, the game specifies the environment, and each move
of the reinforcement agent defines its state. The agent is entitled to
receive feedback via punishment and rewards, thereby affecting the
overall game score. The ultimate goal of the agent is to achieve a
high score.

Reinforcement learning is applied across different fields such as

game theory, information theory, and multi-agent systems.
Reinforcement learning is further divided into two types of methods
or algorithms:

 Positive reinforcement learning: This refers to adding a

reinforcing stimulus after a specific behavior of the agent,
which makes it more likely that the behavior may occur
again in the future, e.g., adding a reward after a behavior.
 Negative reinforcement learning: Negative
reinforcement learning refers to strengthening a specific
behavior that avoids a negative outcome.

See More:What Is General Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

Definition, Challenges, and Trends

Top 5 Machine Learning

Applications
Industry verticals handling large amounts of data have realized the
significance and value of machine learning technology. As machine
learning derives insights from data in real-time, organizations using
it can work efficiently and gain an edge over their competitors.

Every industry vertical in this fast-paced digital world, benefits

immensely from machine learning tech. Here, we look at the top five
ML application sectors.
1. Healthcare industry
Machine learning is being increasingly adopted in the healthcare
industry, credit to wearable devices and sensors such as wearable
fitness trackers, smart health watches, etc. All such devices monitor
users’ health data to assess their health in real-time.

Moreover, the technology is helping medical practitioners in

analyzing trends or flagging events that may help in improved
patient diagnoses and treatment. ML algorithms even allow medical
experts to predict the lifespan of a patient suffering from a fatal
disease with increasing accuracy.

Additionally, machine learning is contributing significantly to two

areas:

 Drug discovery: Manufacturing or discovering a new drug is

expensive and involves a lengthy process. Machine learning
helps speed up the steps involved in such a multi-step
process. For example, Pfizer uses IBM’s Watson to analyze
massive volumes of disparate data for drug discovery.
 Personalized treatment: Drug manufacturers face the stiff
challenge of validating the effectiveness of a specific drug on
a large mass of the population. This is because the drug
works only on a small group in clinical trials and possibly
causes side effects on some subjects.

To address these issues, companies like Genentech have

collaborated with GNS Healthcare to leverage machine learning and
simulation AI platforms, innovating biomedical treatments to
address these issues. ML technology looks for patients’ response
markers by analyzing individual genes, which provides targeted
therapies to patients.
2. Finance sector
Today, several financial organizations and banks use machine
learning technology to tackle fraudulent activities and draw
essential insights from vast volumes of data. ML-derived insights aid
in identifying investment opportunities that allow investors to decide
when to trade.

Moreover, data mining methods help cyber-surveillance systems

zero in on warning signs of fraudulent activities, subsequently
neutralizing them. Several financial institutes have already
partnered with tech companies to leverage the benefits of machine
learning.

For example,

 Citibank has partnered with fraud detection company

Feedzai to handle online and in-person banking frauds.
 PayPal uses several machine learning tools to differentiate
between legitimate and fraudulent transactions between
buyers and sellers.

3. Retail sector
Retail websites extensively use machine learning to recommend
items based on users’ purchase history. Retailers use ML techniques
to capture data, analyze it, and deliver personalized shopping
experiences to their customers. They also implement ML for
marketing campaigns, customer insights, customer merchandise
planning, and price optimization.

According to a September 2021 report by Grand View Research,

Inc., the global recommendation engine market is expected to reach
a valuation of $17.30 billion by 2028. Common day-to-day examples
of recommendation systems include:

 When you browse items on Amazon, the product

recommendations that you see on the homepage result from
machine learning algorithms. Amazon usesartificial neural
networks (ANN) to offer intelligent, personalized
recommendations relevant to customers based on their
recent purchase history, comments, bookmarks, and other
online activities.
 Netflix and YouTube rely heavily on recommendation
systems to suggest shows and videos to their users based on
their viewing history.

Moreover, retail sites are also powered with virtual assistants or

conversational chatbots that leverage ML, natural language
processing (NLP), and natural language understanding (NLU) to
automate customer shopping experiences.

4. Travel industry
Machine learning is playing a pivotal role in expanding the scope of
the travel industry. Rides offered by Uber, Ola, and even self-driving
cars have a robust machine learning backend.

Consider Uber’s machine learning algorithm that handles the

dynamic pricing of their rides. Uber uses a machine learning model
called ‘Geosurge’ to manage dynamic pricing parameters. It uses
real-time predictive modeling on traffic patterns, supply, and
demand. If you are getting late for a meeting and need to book an
Uber in a crowded area, the dynamic pricing model kicks in, and you
can get an Uber ride immediately but would need to pay twice the
regular fare.
Moreover, the travel industry uses machine learning to analyze user
reviews. User comments are classified through sentiment analysis
based on positive or negative scores. This is used for campaign
monitoring, brand monitoring, compliance monitoring, etc., by
companies in the travel industry.

5. Social media
With machine learning, billions of users can efficiently engage on
social media networks. Machine learning is pivotal in driving social
media platforms from personalizing news feeds to delivering user-
specific ads. For example, Facebook’s auto-tagging feature employs
image recognition to identify your friend’s face and tag them
automatically. The social network uses ANN to recognize familiar
faces in users’ contact lists and facilitates automated tagging.

Similarly, LinkedIn knows when you should apply for your next role,
whom you need to connect with, and how your skills rank compared
to peers. All these features are enabled by machine learning.