What Is Artificial Intelligence? Definition, Uses, and Types

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems capable of performing complex tasks that historically only humans could do, such as reasoning, making decisions, or solving problems. At a glance, here's what you need to know about artificial intelligence:

• 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.

• Machine learning is the most common form of artificial intelligence used today.

• As AI becomes more interwoven into our modern world, knowing how it works and how to use it can help you better leverage the technology at work and in your personal life.

In this article, you’ll learn more about artificial intelligence, what it actually does, and the different types. 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. If you're ready to start building your AI skills, consider enrolling in the IBM AI Foundations for Everyone Specialization, where you'll gain a firm understanding of what AI is, its applications, and use cases across various industries.

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).

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. 

How about artificial "general" intelligence?

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. 

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. 

Read more: What Is Artificial General Intelligence? Definition and Examples

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. 

• Apple's Siri: Apple's voice-activated personal assistant, Siri, is powered by deep neural networks (DNNs) to interact with users and complete their requests.

What does AI stand for?

AI stands for "artificial intelligence." Artificial intelligence is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, such as computer systems. AI powers many technology-driven industries, such as health care, finance, transportation, and much more.

Read more: What Does AI Stand For?

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.

Want to build your AI skills?

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Strong AI vs. Weak AI

When researching artificial intelligence, you might have come across the terms “strong” and “weak” AI. Though these terms might seem confusing, you likely already have a sense of what they mean. 

Strong AI is essentially AI that is capable of human-level, general intelligence. In other words, it’s just another way to say “artificial general intelligence.” 

Weak AI, meanwhile, refers to the narrow use of widely available AI technology, like machine learning or deep learning, to perform very specific tasks, such as playing chess, recommending songs, or steering cars. Also known as Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI), weak AI is essentially the kind of AI we use daily.

Read more: Machine Learning vs. AI: Differences, Uses, and Benefits

Kinds 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 [1]: 

• Reactive machines: Reactive machines 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 specific tasks within a very narrow scope, such as playing chess, and are incapable of performing tasks outside of their limited context. 

• Limited memory machines: Limited memory machines possess a limited understanding of past events. They can interact more with the world around them than reactive machines can, but cannot form a complete understanding of the world. For example, self-driving cars use a form of limited memory to make turns, observe approaching vehicles, and adjust their speed.

• Theory of mind machines: Machines that possess a “theory of mind” are able to create representations of the world and possess an understanding of other entities that exist within the world. Right now, these machines are only theoretical.

• Self-aware machines: Machines with self-awareness are the theoretically most advanced kind of AI and would possess an understanding of the world, others, and themselves. This is what most people mean when they talk about "true AI." Currently, this is a far-off reality. 

What is generative artificial intelligence?

Generative AI is a kind of artificial intelligence capable of producing original content, such as written text or images, in response to user inputs or "prompts." Generative models are also known as large language models (LLMs) because they're essentially complex, deep learning models trained on vast amounts of data that can be interacted with using normal human language rather than technical jargon.

Generative AI is becoming increasingly common in everyday life, powering tools such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot. While other kinds of machine learning models are well suited for performing narrow, repetitive tasks, generative AI is capable of responding to user inputs with unique outputs that allow it to respond dynamically in real-time. This makes it particularly useful for powering interactive programs like virtual assistants, chatbots, and recommendation systems.

That said, while generative AI may produce responses that make it seem like self-aware AI, the reality is that its responses are the result of statistical analysis rather than sentience.

Read more: Generative AI Examples and How the Technology Works

AI benefits and dangers

AI has a range of applications with the potential to transform how we work and live. 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: 

These are just some of the ways that AI benefits and harms society. When using new technologies like AI, it’s best to be clear about what it is and isn’t and pay attention to the evolving landscape of AI ethics. After all, with great power comes great responsibility. 

Build AI skills on Coursera

Artificial Intelligence is quickly changing the world we live in. Learn more about artificial intelligence with one of these resources on Coursera:

• Watch on YouTube: Learn AI in 5 Minutes a Day (30 Day Challenge!)

• Explore courses: The Best of Machine Learning & AI on Coursera

• Hear from an expert: “This Is a True Revolution”: Why Professor Daniel Acuna Believes Now is the Time to Learn AI

With Coursera Plus, you can learn and earn credentials at your own pace from over 350 leading companies and universities. With a monthly or annual subscription, you’ll gain access to over 10,000 programs—just check the course page to confirm your selection is included. 

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