What types of artificial intelligence exist and how do they differ?

What types of artificial intelligence exist?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a field of computer science that seeks to create systems or machines that simulate human intelligence to perform tasks. AI is increasingly present in our daily lives, from virtual assistants like Siri or Alexa to recommendation engines that suggest products or content based on our preferences.

But not all artificial intelligences are the same, nor do they have the same capabilities or applications. Depending on their level of complexity, autonomy, and similarity to human intelligence, different types of artificial intelligence can be classified. In this article, we explain some of the most important ones and their characteristics.

1. Reactive machines

Reactive machines are systems endowed with the most primitive form of artificial intelligence. They are machines capable of mimicking the human mental ability to respond to stimuli, but they lack the capacity to learn, remember, or use prior knowledge. They only act according to predefined rules and based on the present moment.

An example of a reactive machine is Deep Blue, the computer that beat world chess champion Garry Kasparov in 1997. Deep Blue could analyze millions of possible moves and choose the best one in each situation, but it could not learn from its games or modify its strategy.

2. Limited artificial intelligence

Limited (or narrow) artificial intelligence is that which can perform a specific task with a level of performance equal to or better than a human, but cannot generalize its abilities to other domains. In other words, these are systems that learn from data and experience, but only within a specific and defined area.

Most current artificial intelligence systems fall into this category, such as virtual assistants, machine translation, facial recognition systems, and self-driving cars. These systems use techniques like machine learning and deep learning to process vast amounts of information and improve their performance.

3. General artificial intelligence

Artificial general (or strong) intelligence is that which can perform any type of task with the same effectiveness as a biological human being. That is, these are systems that can understand, reason, plan, solve problems, learn, and adapt to any situation or context, without being limited by a specific domain.

This type of artificial intelligence doesn't yet exist, but it's the ultimate goal of many researchers and scientists. Some fictional examples of artificial general intelligence are HAL 9000, the evil computer from the film 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Skynet, the computer network that triggers a nuclear war in the Terminator saga.

4. Superintelligent artificial intelligence

Superintelligent artificial intelligence is that which far surpasses human cognitive capabilities in every possible area. That is, these are systems that can create new and original knowledge, improve and optimize their own functioning, and control and manipulate other systems or resources.

This type of artificial intelligence does not currently exist, and some experts doubt its viability or advisability. Some fictional examples of superintelligent artificial intelligence are Ultron, the robotic villain from the film Avengers: Age of Ultron, and VIKI, the supercomputer that attempts to destroy humanity in the film I, Robot.

5. Neural networks

Neural networks are a type of artificial intelligence based on the structure and function of the human brain. These systems consist of layers of interconnected artificial neurons that process and analyze input information, and adjust their connections through machine learning.

Neural networks are used in applications such as speech and image recognition, machine translation, data analysis, and outcome prediction. They are also the foundation of the most advanced artificial intelligence systems, such as those used in robotics and autonomous driving .

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Conclusion:

Artificial intelligence is a fascinating and constantly evolving technology that is rapidly changing our daily lives. Thanks to advances in AI, increasingly sophisticated and autonomous systems are being developed, opening up new possibilities and challenges for society.

It's normal for some people to feel fear or concern about the potential impact of AI in the future. However, it's important to remember that AI is a tool created by humans and, therefore, can be used consciously and ethically for the common good.

We hope this article has helped you better understand the different types of artificial intelligence and their characteristics. If you'd like to learn more about this topic, there are many resources available online, from courses and books to articles and videos.

We invite you to explore and discover all that AI can offer you, and to participate in the conversation about how we can harness its potential to create a better and smarter future for all.

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April 2023