Artificial Intelligence is an umbrella term
It’s not just about machine learning. A more specific name for AI would be cognitive computing, which refers to computers that think and learn as humans do. Cognitive computing relies on advances in computer science, including machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing, and others.
These technologies are being used to develop sophisticated systems that mimic human behavior—and can potentially outperform humans at tasks they normally perform. The goal of cognitive computing is to make it possible for computers to process information and make decisions without relying on human intervention.
We don’t yet have technology that replicates all of our brain functions, but we have made great strides in mimicking human thought processes with advanced software and hardware.
In order to understand how far along we are, let’s take a closer look at where artificial intelligence stands today:
Machine Learning
A form of artificial intelligence that allows computers to improve their performance by analyzing data from previous experiences. Machine learning uses algorithms that allow programs to learn from experience and adjust their output accordingly when exposed to new data sets.
Neural Networks
An interconnected group of nodes (neurons) that work together to process information. Neural networks learn by adjusting connections between nodes based on input received from other nodes within a network.
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
Allows computers to read, analyze and extract meaning from human language in order to make sense of large amounts of unstructured text data.
Computer Vision
Enables computers to interpret images and video in ways similar to humans.
Speech Recognition
This allows users to interact with devices using spoken commands instead of typed ones.
Expert Systems
Algorithms are designed to solve problems using rules-based logic programmed into them by people who know what needs to be done.
Robotics
Computers are capable of performing physical tasks usually performed by humans.
Virtual Assistants
Software applications that help organize personal information and respond to requests via voice recognition, touchscreens, or keyboards.
Autonomous Vehicles
Self-driving cars, trucks, and drones are powered by onboard computers running artificial intelligence software.
Chatbots
Software that simulates human conversation to carry out various tasks, such as scheduling meetings and answering customer service questions.
Augmented Reality
Technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user’s view of reality. This kind of technology is already in use in smartphone apps and wearable techs, such as Google Glass and Microsoft HoloLens.
Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
Robotic Process Automation is a subset of artificial intelligence that automates repetitive tasks, freeing humans to focus on more creative or strategic projects.
Deep Learning
A type of machine learning in which artificial neural networks are trained to recognize patterns in data by exposing them to massive amounts of information.
Natural Language Generation (NLG)
A subfield of artificial intelligence that aims to generate human-like language from structured data sources.
Natural Language Understanding (NLU)
A subfield of artificial intelligence that aims to give computers a human-like understanding of language.
Cognitive Computing
A term for a broad set of artificial intelligence technologies that are designed to make computers think and learn as humans do.
Machine Intelligence
The ability of computer software or hardware to exhibit behaviors commonly associated with intelligent beings, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision making.
Machine Consciousness
The concept that a computer or machine can be self-aware.
Strong AI
A hypothetical artificial intelligence that’s equal to or greater than human intelligence.
Weak AI
Artificial intelligence with limited problem-solving capabilities, such as IBM’s Watson and Apple’s Siri.
