Traces of artificial intelligence date back to the 1960s, professor says

“To understand artificial intelligence, we need to look at its history.”

Professor Erol Gelenbe, a participant in the 20th IEEE International Conference on Application of Information and Communication Technologies (AICT 2026), held in Baku, made the remarks to journalists, TodayPress TV reports.

He spoke about the historical development of artificial intelligence, its scientific foundations and its relationship with computer science.

According to the professor, the main purpose of his presentation was to explain not only the modern applications of artificial intelligence but also the scientific ideas and historical stages of development that led to the emergence of this technology.

“I am participating in this conference as a speaker and delivered the opening address. In my speech, I tried to approach artificial intelligence from a broader historical perspective rather than focusing solely on how it is used today. I explained the ideas from which this technology emerged, its relationship with computer science and the history of algorithm development. In this context, I also touched upon Al-Khwarizmi’s contributions to the field of algorithms.

“For me, the main issue was not so much explaining how to use new tools as demonstrating their essence and the scientific foundations on which they were developed. Some of the ideas and methods underlying modern systems such as ChatGPT date back decades. As early as the 1960s, initial examples and prototypes that laid the groundwork for the development of today’s artificial intelligence systems already existed.

“A historical perspective helps us gain a deeper understanding of where modern technologies came from, how they evolved, what opportunities they create and what challenges they face,” Erol Gelenbe said.

Jala Rovshan