The History of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence, AI, is an exciting technology, but its story goes back much further than many realise. Here’s a simple, date based timeline showing how AI evolved from an idea to the practical tool helping Kiwi businesses today.
1763
The journey begins with Thomas Bayes, a mathematician who developed a way to calculate probabilities. This early work laid the groundwork for how many AI systems learn from data today, much like learning from experience in a trade or profession.
1940s
During World War II, British mathematician Alan Turing designed machines to help break secret codes. In 1950, he wrote a paper proposing a test (the Turing Test) to decide if a machine could think like a human by having a conversation you couldn’t tell was with a computer.
1956
The term “Artificial Intelligence” was officially born at a conference in Dartmouth, USA, where pioneers like John McCarthy gathered to explore the idea of machines thinking like people. McCarthy also created Lisp, one of the first programming languages designed specifically for AI research.
1960s
AI made its first practical steps with:
The first industrial robot started work on a car assembly line in 1961, safely handling dangerous tasks for humans.
ELIZA, a simple chatbot created in 1966, is able to carry out basic conversations like a psychotherapist.
1970s - 1980s
AI had its ups and downs during this time, often called the “AI winters” due to overhyped expectations followed by slow progress and reduced funding. But there were advances such as:
Early robots that could move and somewhat interact with people.
The first driverless car prototypes.
Simple “expert systems” that helped with specialised decision making.
1997
AI hit a milestone when IBM’s Deep Blue computer defeated the reigning world chess champion, showing machines could beat humans in complex strategic thinking.
2000s
AI became more visible in everyday life with developments like:
The launch of robot vacuum cleaners like Roomba.
Virtual assistants like Siri and Google Assistant, recognising speech and helping users.
IBM Watson, which won the quiz show Jeopardy! in 2011 by understanding and answering complex questions.
2010s - Present
This era has seen rapid AI growth powered by “machine learning”, where AI improves itself by analysing massive amounts of data, much like an experienced builder or accountant learning from years of work. Modern AI includes:
Tools that understand human language (chatbots, report writing).
Software that “sees” and analyses images for use in construction, architecture, and photography.
Creative AI that helps generate ideas or drafts marketing content.
Advanced conversational agents like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, assisting businesses with varied tasks from customer support to content creation.
What This Means for Your New Zealand Business Today
What started as an ambitious dream decades ago is now here, helping businesses save time, reduce mistakes, and make smarter decisions every day. Whether you're a builder automating quotes, an accountant streamlining finances, or any local business owner, AI tools have become accessible and practical, many developed locally or widely used in New Zealand.
Understanding this timeline helps you see AI not as a mysterious future gadget but a proven technology evolving steadily to fit your needs.