Basics of artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is used across industries and is integrated into many of our day-to-day activities, such as banking, social media, online shopping, streaming services, and more.

Increasingly, AI is being utilized in health care settings. AI is being used to streamline administrative tasks, make workflows more efficient, and aid in clinical decision-making. And the possible use for AI is projected to only grow. Given these rapid developments, it is helpful to have a basic understanding of a few key terms that are frequently used in discussions of AI.

AI actually is an umbrella term that encompasses several types of technology. While there is no single, universally accepted definition, AI is generally defined as a subdiscipline of computer science that aims to produce programs that simulate human intelligence.¹

[Related topic: Artificial intelligence and machine learning]

AI has many subfields, some of which are shown below. These subfields often overlap and are interrelated.

Machine learning (ML) uses statistical and mathematical modeling techniques to learn and gradually make improved predictions without explicit programming.^{2 3}

Neural networks

Neural networksopens in new window are computer programs that are taught to process data in a way that mimics how neural networks in the human brain function. These neural networks are used to perform cognitive functions such as problem-solving.⁴

Deep learning

Deep learningopens in new window (DL) uses multiple neural networks to build and train computational models to solve complex problems.^{5 6}

Deep learning is used in many technologies that involve automation. For example, DL is used in detecting credit card fraud, as it learns spending habits and identifies any unusual purchasing behavior.

Computer vision

Computer visionopens in new window enables computers to interpret visuals, such as images and videos.⁷

Natural language processingopens in new window (NLP) uses machine learning to enable computers to understand and communicate with human language.⁸

Language translation applications, subtitles, and predictive text all rely on NLP.

Large language models

Large language modelsopens in new window (LLM) are a category of models trained on very large amounts of data enabling them to understand and generate human language.⁹

Generative AI

Generative AIopens in new window (GenAI) refers to deep learning models that are trained to generate new content, such as images or text, in response to user prompts.¹⁰

Recently, generative AI has become a much-discussed topic of conversation. There are many GenAI chatbots, including Google’s Bard, Microsoft’s Copilot, and OpenAI’s ChatGPT, among others, which all generate responses to user prompts.

If you are interested in beginning to familiarize yourself with these tools, one way is to simply begin by asking for assistance with daily tasks. Many people use GenAI to help them plan meals and vacations, or learn about events in their area.

Robotics is the science of making machines (i.e., robots) that can perform tasks autonomously.¹¹

AI powered robotsopens in new window are being developed to perform complex tasks, such as driverless vehicles, drones, and farming equipment.¹²