What is AI?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a broad field of computer science that focuses on creating machines and software that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. Here are some key aspects of AI:

Definition

AI is the ability of digital computers or computer-controlled robots to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings, such as reasoning, learning, problem-solving, perception, and understanding natural language5.

Human-Like Capabilities

AI systems can simulate human intelligence by recognizing images, writing text, making data-based predictions, and engaging in conversations. They can analyze large volumes of data from various sources to assist in business operations, customer support, marketing, and analytics123.

Subfields and Techniques

AI encompasses several subfields, including:

• Machine Learning (ML): The development of algorithms and statistical models that enable computer systems to learn from data and make decisions without explicit programming134.
• Deep Learning: A subset of machine learning that uses artificial neural networks with multiple layers to process complex data, often used in image recognition, natural language processing, and strategic games234.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP): Enables machines to understand, interpret, and generate human language, used in applications like chatbots, language translation, and sentiment analysis34.

How AI Works

AI works by using algorithms, data, and computational power to enable machines to learn from experience, adapt to new inputs, and execute tasks that resemble human capabilities. Unlike traditional computer programs, AI systems can learn and improve over time through exposure to vast amounts of data, identifying patterns and relationships that humans may miss234.

Applications

AI has numerous applications, including advanced web search engines, recommendation systems, virtual assistants, autonomous vehicles, generative and creative tools, and superhuman play in strategy games. It is also used in medical diagnosis, voice or handwriting recognition, and various other domains245.

Goals and Scope

The long-term goals of AI research include achieving general intelligence—the ability to complete any task performed by a human on an at least equal level. AI draws upon multiple disciplines, including computer science, data analytics, statistics, hardware and software engineering, linguistics, neuroscience, and philosophy245.