AI discovers new material unknown to mankind that could help change the world

Artificial Intelligence is continuing to show its worth for humanity after aiding in a solution to solve a crucial issue.

With the rise and prevalence of artificial intelligence (AI), you would be forgiven for thinking an Austrian bodybuilder dead set on causing the extinction of humans is right around the corner.

In industries across the world, people have been finding new ways to use AI and have praised the many ways it can be utilized.

In a recent blog post, Microsoft explained that through their partnership with the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), they have used AI technology in their ongoing venture to find a better battery.

“Since the dawn of civilization, scientific discovery has been the ultimate cognitive task that has made us thrive and prosper as a species," the company wrote on Tuesday (January 9).

"For this reason, scientific discovery has probably the highest impact and is the most exciting use case for AI.”

The post continued to explain that AI had been used to screen over ‘32 million candidates to discover and synthesize a new material that holds the potential for better batteries.'

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While this may feel like a ‘so what’ point to the average person, it's important to remember that we use lithium-ion batteries for most technological items that we recharge, so everything from your phone and vape, to your toothbrush and bike.

So, if we run out, say goodbye to the modern comforts you have grown attached to.

“Lithium and other strategic elements used in these batteries are finite resources with limited and geographically concentrated supplies,” Vijay Murugesan, a Group Leader at PNNL said in the blog post.

“One of the main thrusts of our work at PNNL has been identifying new materials for increased energy storage needs of the future; ones made with sustainable materials that conserve and protect the Earth’s limited resources.”

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The post also confirmed that the material was ‘unknown to us and not present in nature’ showcasing just how AI can be used to shape the future.

The material was tested in a working battery prototype earlier this year and proved successful. If things do pan out it could ultimately reduce the use of lithium batteries by up to 70 percent, resulting in economic, safety and environmental benefits.

Let's hope AI continues to be used to solve ongoing and upcoming problems rather than Terminator-esque shenanigans.