AI - Overview

Understanding AI

Artificial Intelligence is a branch of computer science that aims to create systems capable of performing tasks that normally require human intelligence. These tasks include:

  • Learning and adaptation
  • Problem solving
  • Decision making
  • Pattern recognition
  • Natural language understanding
Core Concept: AI systems are designed to perceive their environment and take actions that maximize their chance of success at a given goal.

AI Timeline

1950
Turing Test

Alan Turing proposes the "Imitation Game" to test machine intelligence

1956
Dartmouth Conference

John McCarthy coins the term "Artificial Intelligence"

1997
Deep Blue

IBM's chess-playing computer defeats world champion Garry Kasparov

2011
Siri & Watson

Apple introduces Siri and IBM Watson wins Jeopardy!

Key Components of AI Systems

Data

Fuel for AI systems

Algorithms

Mathematical instructions

Compute Power

Processing capability

Intelligence

Decision-making ability

AI vs Human Intelligence

AspectArtificial IntelligenceHuman Intelligence
Learning SpeedFast (can process millions of examples quickly)Slow (requires time and experience)
Energy EfficiencyHigh power consumptionExtremely energy efficient (~20 watts)
CreativityLimited to learned patternsHighly creative and original
MultitaskingExcellent at specialized tasksGood at multiple general tasks