---
title: "Microsoft: “Our Computer Vision Algorithms Have Surpassed Humans”"
description: "Microsoft is making some major strides in creating artificial intelligence (AI) with capabilities on par with human ability, or better. The company is collaborating with leaders in a variety of areas to work towards the democratization of AI, making for a future that will benefit all of humanity."
date: "2016-12-14"
modified: "2016-12-14"
authors:
  - name: "Dom Galeon"
    link: "https://futurism.com/authors/domgaleon"
url: "https://futurism.com/microsoft-our-computer-vision-algorithms-have-surpassed-humans"
categories:
  - "Artificial Intelligence"
tags:
  - "artificial intelligence"
  - "computer vision"
  - "Microsoft Research"
---

# Microsoft: “Our Computer Vision Algorithms Have Surpassed Humans”

![microsoft research artificial intelligence computer vision](<https://futurism.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Our-Computer-Vision-Algorithms-Have-Surpassed-Humans.jpg>)
*\<em\>Image: Shutterstock/Olga Nikonova\</em\>*

## Rooted in Real Conversation

In 1991, Microsoft founder Bill Gates put up his company's specialized research arm The aptly named Microsoft Research was to be the vehicle to fulfill Gates' "vision that computers would one day see, hear and understand human beings." Now, after years of work by the best and brightest minds in the company, that vision is closer to becoming a reality.

Microsoft Research has become one of the most accomplished labs in artificial intelligence (AI) development. The computer vision algorithms it has pioneered have achieved substantial success. "Across several industry benchmarks, our computer vision algorithms have [surpassed others](<https://blogs.microsoft.com/next/2015/12/10/microsoft-researchers-win-imagenet-computer-vision-challenge/#sm.001oxkkgv10u2dujslp1vwly97e8z>) in the industry — [even humans](<https://futurism.com/microsofts-speech-recognition-tech-is-officially-as-accurate-as-humans>),” said [Harry Shum](<http://news.microsoft.com/features/microsofts-ai-vision-rooted-in-research-conversations/#sm.001oxkkgv10u2dujslp1vwly97e8z#EycRO9sBDqbO8h1x.97>), Microsoft’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Research group EVP.

https://twitter.com/Microsoft/status/808768860346138624

## The Future of Computing

These developments in computer vision allow for AI that see and listen, that understand better than ever before. Microsoft's programs include [Microsoft Cognitive Services](<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEBi4OpXU4Q&feature=youtu.be>) that power Uber, a Skype translator algorithm that works in nine languages, and [Microsoft Translator](<https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/translator/default.aspx>) equipped with intelligent language and speech recognition capabilities that allow for simultaneous translation between groups speaking several languages.

![Credits: Microsoft](<https://futurism.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/AI-Event_SF_v11.jpg>)
*Credits: Microsoft*

Microsoft's vision of the future includes [making AI available for all](<http://news.microsoft.com/features/democratizing-ai/>). "We have always sought to democratize technology," [said Shum](<http://news.microsoft.com/features/microsofts-ai-vision-rooted-in-research-conversations/#sm.001oxkkgv10u2dujslp1vwly97e8z#EycRO9sBDqbO8h1x.97>). "With AI, we will do that in two ways — by infusing into products such as Office 365, while creating a platform on which others can build and innovate". Their [collaboration with OpenAI](<https://futurism.com/microsoft-unites-with-elon-musk-on-breakthrough-ai-project>) clearly shows this.

Other AI technology in continuous development include the new [Zo chatbot](<http://www.zo.ai/>), [Cortana devices SDK](<https://blogs.windows.com/buildingapps>) and Skills Kit, and a whole bunch intelligent tools in expansion. Indeed, Microsoft is actively exploring the future of computing. "We will push the boundaries and we will learn,” Shum said. “We’ll share our learnings with the industry, with you — so we can democratize AI and hopefully accelerate its benefits for our society.”

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-john-galeon-9b086925/>)  
[Twitter](<https://x.com/domgaleon>)