What is AI technology in simple words?

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems capable of performing complex tasks that historically only a human
could do, such as reasoning, making decisions, or solving problems.3 avr. 2024

What Is Artificial Intelligence? Definition, Uses, and Types

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems capable of performing complex tasks that
historically only a human could do, such as reasoning, making decisions, or solving problems.Today, the
term “AI” describes a wide range of technologies that power many of the services and goods we use every
day – from apps that recommend tv shows to chatbots that provide customer support in real time. But do
all of these really constitute artificial intelligence as most of us envision it? And if not, then why do we use
the term so often? In this article, you’ll learn more about artificial intelligence, what it actually does, and
different types of it. In the end, you’ll also learn about some of its benefits and dangers and explore flexible
courses that can help you expand your knowledge of AI even further.
What is artificial intelligence?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the theory and development of computer systems capable of performing
tasks that historically required human intelligence, such as recognizing speech, making decisions, and
identifying patterns. AI is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide variety of technologies,
including machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing (NLP).Although the term is
commonly used to describe a range of different technologies in use today, many disagree on whether
these actually constitute artificial intelligence. Instead, some argue that much of the technology used in the
real world today actually constitutes highly advanced machine learning that is simply a first step towards
true artificial intelligence, or “general artificial intelligence” (GAI).Yet, despite the many philosophical
disagreements over whether “true” intelligent machines actually exist, when most people use the
term AI today, they’re referring to a suite of machine learning-powered technologies, such as Chat GPT or
computer vision, that enable machines to perform tasks that previously only humans can do like
generating written content, steering a car, or analyzing data.
Artificial intelligence examples
Though the humanoid robots often associated with AI (think Star Trek: The Next Generation’s Data
or Terminator’s T-800) don’t exist yet, you’ve likely interacted with machine learning-powered services or
devices many times before.
At the simplest level, machine learning uses algorithms trained on data sets to create machine learning
models that allow computer systems to perform tasks like making song recommendations, identifying the
fastest way to travel to a destination, or translating text from one language to another. Some of the most
common examples of AI in use today include:
ChatGPT: Uses large language models (LLMs) to generate text in response to questions or comments
posed to it.
Google Translate: Uses deep learning algorithms to translate text from one language to another.
Netflix: Uses machine learning algorithms to create personalized recommendation engines for users
based on their previous viewing history.
Tesla: Uses computer vision to power self-driving features on their cars.
AI in the workforce
Artificial intelligence is prevalent across many industries. Automating tasks that don't require human
intervention saves money and time, and can reduce the risk of human error. Here are a couple of ways AI
could be employed in different industries:
Finance industry. Fraud detection is a notable use case for AI in the finance industry. AI's capability to
analyze large amounts of data enables it to detect anomalies or patterns that signal fraudulent behavior.
Health care industry. AI-powered robotics could support surgeries close to highly delicate organs or
tissue to mitigate blood loss or risk of infection.
What is artificial general intelligence (AGI)?
Artificial general intelligence (AGI) refers to a theoretical state in which computer systems will be able to
achieve or exceed human intelligence. In other words, AGI is “true” artificial intelligence as depicted in
countless science fiction novels, television shows, movies, and comics.
As for the precise meaning of “AI” itself, researchers don’t quite agree on how we would recognize
“true” artificial general intelligence when it appears. However, the most famous approach to identifying
whether a machine is intelligent or not is known as the Turing Test or Imitation Game, an experiment that
was first outlined by influential mathematician, computer scientist, and cryptanalyst Alan Turing in a 1950
paper on computer intelligence. There, Turing described a three-player game in which a human
“interrogator” is asked to communicate via text with another human and a machine and judge who
composed each response. If the interrogator cannot reliably identify the human, then Turing says the
machine can be said to be intelligent [1].
To complicate matters, researchers and philosophers also can’t quite agree whether we’re beginning to
achieve AGI, if it’s still far off, or just totally impossible. For example, while a recent paper from Microsoft
Research and OpenAI argues that Chat GPT-4 is an early form of AGI, many other researchers are
skeptical of these claims and argue that they were just made for publicity [2, 3].
Regardless of how far we are from achieving AGI, you can assume that when someone uses the term
artificial general intelligence, they’re referring to the kind of sentient computer programs and machines that
are commonly found in popular science fiction.
The 4 Types of AI
As researchers attempt to build more advanced forms of artificial intelligence, they must also begin to
formulate more nuanced understandings of what intelligence or even consciousness precisely mean. In
their attempt to clarify these concepts, researchers have outlined four types of artificial intelligence.
Here’s a summary of each AI type, according to Professor Arend Hintze of the University of Michigan [4]:
1. Reactive machines
Reactive machines are the most basic type of artificial intelligence. Machines built in this way don’t
possess any knowledge of previous events but instead only “react” to what is before them in a given
moment. As a result, they can only perform certain advanced tasks within a very narrow scope, such as
playing chess, and are incapable of performing tasks outside of their limited context.
2. Limited memory machines
Machines with limited memory possess a limited understanding of past events. They can interact more
with the world around them than reactive machines can. For example, self-driving cars use a form of
limited memory to make turns, observe approaching vehicles, and adjust their speed. However, machines
with only limited memory cannot form a complete understanding of the world because their recall of past
events is limited and only used in a narrow band of time.
3. Theory of mind machines
Machines that possess a “theory of mind” represent an early form of artificial general intelligence. In
addition to being able to create representations of the world, machines of this type would also have an
understanding of other entities that exist within the world. As of this moment, this reality has still not
materialized.
4. Self-aware machines
Machines with self-awareness are the theoretically most advanced type of AI and would possess an
understanding of the world, others, and itself. This is what most people mean when they talk about
achieving AGI. Currently, this is a far-off reality.
AI benefits and dangers
AI has a range of applications with the potential to transform how we work and our daily lives. While many
of these transformations are exciting, like self-driving cars, virtual assistants, or wearable devices in the
healthcare industry, they also pose many challenges.
It’s a complicated picture that often summons competing images: a utopia for some, a dystopia for others.
The reality is likely to be much more complex. Here are a few of the possible benefits and dangers AI may
pose:

Potential Benefits Potential Dangers

Greater accuracy for certain repeatable

tasks, such as assembling vehicles or Job loss due to increased automation.
computers.
Potential for bias or discrimination as a
Decreased operational costs due to
result of the data set on which the AI is
greater efficiency of machines.
trained.
Increased personalization within digital
Possible cybersecurity concerns.
services and products.
Improved decision-making in certain Lack of transparency over how decisions
situations. are arrived at, resulting in less than optimal
 Potential Benefits Potential Dangers

solutions.
Potential to create misinformation, as well
Ability to quickly generate new content,
as inadvertently violate laws and
such as text or images.
regulations.
These are just some of the ways that AI provides benefits and dangers to society. When using new
technologies like AI, it’s best to keep a clear mind about what it is and isn’t. With great power comes great
responsibility, after all.
Read more: AI Ethics: What It Is and Why It Matters