What is artificial intelligence (AI)? - IONOS UK
IONOS AI Model Hub brings you the best open-source models on a sovereign platform. 100% AI power with IONOS fully managed solution. Artificial intelligence is a branch of computer science that aims to create a technological equivalent to human intelligence. But what exactly is intelligence and how can it be reproduced using technology? Numerous theories and methodologies have been developed to address these questions, however, establishing a precise definition of artificial intelligence has proven difficult due to the complex nature of intelligence itself.
Types of Artificial Intelligence
Most artificial intelligence has been developed to carry out technical tasks. The focus has been less on mastering human communication, and more on performing highly specialized tasks efficiently. For these types of technologies, a restricted Turing test is used to test if a system possesses the same abilities as humans in a specific field, for example, in medical diagnostics or chess. If it does, it’s considered an artificially intelligent system. This is just one type of artificial intelligence though. A distinction is made between this type of artificial intelligence, which is considered ‘weak’ and another type which is considered ‘strong’. Below, we’ll take a look at these two different definitions of AI.
Strong Artificial Intelligence
The definition of strong artificial intelligence, also referred to as general AI, refers to a type of intelligence that, due to its diverse capabilities, is in a position to replace humans. Intelligence has various dimensions, encompassing cognitive, sensory, motor, emotional and social capabilities. Most current applications of artificial intelligence are in the area of cognitive intelligence, i.e., logic, planning, problem-solving, self-sufficiency and perspective formation.
Weak Artificial Intelligence
On the other hand, weak artificial intelligence, also known as narrow AI, is defined differently and refers to the development and application of artificial intelligence for clearly defined use cases. This is the current state of artificial intelligence. Nearly all of the current uses of artificial intelligence can be defined as weak AI but also undoubtedly specialized.
Over the last few years, research has made groundbreaking success in the area of weak AI. The development of intelligent systems in individual sectors has shown itself as not just immensely practical but also as less controversial, ethically speaking than the research into superintelligence.
How Artificial Intelligence Works
How artificial intelligence works depends on how knowledge is represented within the AI system. There are two fundamental approaches to representing knowledge:
- Symbolic AI: It is grounded in the idea that human thought can be reconstructed from a higher-level framework based on logic and concepts and doesn’t need to rely on concrete experiences (top-down approach).
- Neural AI: The further development of the backpropagation algorithm created the basis for deep learning, which nearly all AI works with these days. Neural artificial intelligence splits up knowledge into tiny functional units known as artificial neurons.
Current Uses of Artificial Intelligence
Whether it’s facial recognition, voice assistants or translation software, AI has become a part of our everyday lives. Even if you consciously avoid using such tools, it’s difficult to escape the influence of artificial intelligence in digital environments. For example, AI systems play a significant role in shaping the product recommendations you receive from online stores as well as recommendations from platforms like YouTube and Netflix. These systems are designed to provide you with suggestions that are increasingly tailored to your preferences.
Examples of Current Uses
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Advantages and Disadvantages of Artificial Intelligence
There is a whole range of advantages and possibilities when it comes to AI. The most important advantages are undoubtedly in the world of work, where it can be highly efficient and dramatically improve economic prospects. Supporters of AI view each technical advancement as an opportunity for greater ease and comfort in everyday life.
Key Advantages
- Highly efficient in the world of work
- Promotes economic prospects
- Opportunity for greater ease and comfort in everyday life
When it comes to tasks for the greater public good, artificial intelligence also provides significant benefits. There is no denying the fact that machines have a much lower error rate than humans, and their performance potential is enormous. In the healthcare and legal sectors, in particular, the versatility of intelligent machines is seen as especially promising.
Risks of Artificial Intelligence
Prominent experts have warned about the risks of artificial intelligence, despite being directly involved in its development.
- Development of superintelligence
- Potential for machines to optimize themselves beyond human reliance
