What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Its Meaning, Applications, and the Future

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Its Meaning, Applications, and the Future | Information Technology | Emeritus

As we move towards an increasingly digital world, ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI)’ has become one of the most talked about technologies. With the need for remote working, digital operations and automation of processes, there is every reason why AI innovations and tools which were considered fiction until two-three decades ago, are now entering the real world.

The rise of computers embedded inside machines, which have the ability to learn, understand and even mimic humans, is changing the way we live and work. In such a scenario, AI is becoming one of the most sought-after career options. Continue reading to understand what is artificial intelligence and how it is a great career option today.



What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

The simplest answer to ‘what is artificial intelligence is – it is a multi-faceted technology which has different connotations for different users. Those unfamiliar with the world of tech, call AI as robots. As made popular by Hollywood fiction, artificial intelligence is imagined as a Terminator or any other smart, deadly or lovable robot, again depending on which film one saw. However, someone well-versed with the world of technology would describe AI as a set of machine learning algorithms that can perform assigned tasks automatically.

Essentially, artificial intelligence is a smart machine built by humans, which can perform different tasks intelligently without being given detailed instructions. It can think on its own and act rationally as well as in a human-like manner.

Now that we know what artificial intelligence is, let’s take a look at various types of artificial intelligence.

Different Types of Artificial Intelligence

There are various types of AI, and they are defined by their scope, usage, and advancement of abilities. These include the following:

Reactive or Responsive AI

These are the basic forms of AI and are typically used in machine automation or games. They don’t have the ability to learn and adapt, and simply carry out tasks in a pre-defined manner. For instance, an ordinary chess game on a computer would have AI that observes your moves and responds in the best possible way to win the game.

Limited Memory

In limited-memory AI machines, there is an ability to collect old data and add it to the memory. The machine can understand the input, match it with data in memory, and respond. For instance, an app would recommend a restaurant/ATM/petrol pump based on the location data stored.

Machines that can understand thoughts and emotions

A machine capable of understanding human thoughts and emotions, and interacting socially in a human-like manner (R2D2 and 3PO from Star Wars, or Jarvis from Iron Man Movies), is yet to be built. However, we are advancing to the day when such a thing might become a reality.

Conscious Machines

These machines are currently in the realm of science fiction only. They are expected to be far superior in intelligence as compared to humans. They will have a sentient, and conscious persona. Essentially, they will be full-fledged human-like creations but made in factories.

How Does Artificial Intelligence Work

AI is a process that mimics human habits and capabilities in a machine. It uses power of computing to do what humans do, but with greater speed and accuracy. Various types of artificial intelligence perform diverse roles across almost all industries ranging from education, healthcare, smart city management, defence, aviation, customer care, retail and so on. Nowadays, there are various IT courses or certificates in IT that one can do to gain an understanding of what is AI and how it works. Here is an overview.

Machine Learning – ML is the process through which a machine learns to understand things and make decisions based on past experiences. Using patterns, and outcomes, the machine analyses data and reaches a conclusion without any human intervention. This type of automation is beneficial for modern businesses across the spectrum.

Deep Learning – Deep learning is an advanced form of machine learning that processes inputs on multiple parameters to understand, segregate and predict the results.

Neural Networks – These are based on the same principle as our nervous system, and contain various algorithms that identify relativity between underlying factors and process data similar to the way the human brain does.

Natural Language Processing (NLP) – NLP is the process through which a machine reads, understands and comprehends languages. Once the human user’s meaning and context is understood, the machine replies accordingly.

Computer Vision – Computer vision is a process where AI algorithms are used to analyse images and videos by breaking them down and observing various elements in the frame.

Cognitive Computing – In cognitive computing, AI analyses text, spoken words or visuals in a human like manner to provide the desired output.

Applications of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is now widely used in different aspects of life and business such as:

Online shopping – Leading e-commerce marketplaces use AI to assist their customers by offering them personalized recommendations based on their shopping history, keywords searched for, and similar products on offer.

Smart personal assistants – Smart AI assistants are now found in mobile phones, home automation systems such as Alexa and Google, and even as in-vehicle systems. They offer personalized hands-free support, help the users in operating gadgets, etc.

Mobility – AI is being used in smart vehicles for various uses such as monitoring vehicular performance, and predictive maintenance. AI-powered autonomous vehicles are also making their way onto the roads.

With almost limitless benefits in various aspects of life and business, AI is rapidly becoming a great career opportunity. A large number of Indian companies are now aware of the types of artificial intelligence, its power and benefits and are on the lookout for experts. Therefore, people equipped with an IT diploma or certificate courses in IT can expect significantly high salary hikes.

Emeritus India is a reputed learning platform that brings world-class online and in-person learning experiences in the field of IT and AI. Here are some of the IT Diploma options from Emeritus that can help you make a career in this coveted field:

Future of Artificial Intelligence

Right from the time when humans dreamed of flying over the clouds, technology has been a great fascination. While such things were considered impossible a couple of centuries ago, today aviation is an integral part of transportation. Similarly, talking about intelligent machines capable of performing tasks autonomously has also now begun to become a reality in the form of artificial intelligence. With the application of artificial intelligence, it is possible to automate and improve almost every type of machine. Considering the rate of AI growth, IT diploma and other AI specific learning options that offer great potential for career development to all, the future of AI is only going to be smarter!

About the Author

Content Writer, Emeritus Blog
Sritoma's tryst with education started during her early years as a teacher. Drawing from her teaching experience, Sritoma understands how students learn and educators teach, which helps her create content for edtech. With an extensive experience in content creation over 6+ years, she has an innate ability to research and convert complex information into reader-friendly content. Sritoma is a creative soul, and during her free hours, she loves turning blank canvases into captivating works of art.
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