Artificial Intelligence: An Overview

Artificial Intelligence: An Overview

There's been much speculation over what constitutes artificial intelligence. Some say it's highly advanced robotics; others argue it revolves around simulations of human intellect processes. Indeed, AI encompasses these and more. At its core, however, AI refers to any device that mimics cognitive functions associated with humans, such as learning, problem solving, decision making, perception, communication, and understanding natural languages. It is a broad concept and can refer to anything from simple role playing games with simplistic AI to sophisticated systems used by NASA spacecraft.

AI has had numerous applications throughout history, dating back as far as the ancient Greeks who were building mechanisms designed to think like people. In modern times, AI ranges from computers to simple devices like refrigerators that learn your favorite foods and adjust their settings accordingly. However, the most common association with AI is smartphones which have become de facto general purpose intelligent machines.