Key Differences Between Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Computing

Key Differences Between Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Computing
4 min read
19 October 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) and cognitive computing, though sometimes used interchangeably, have distinct differences. While both involve the creation of intelligent machines, they adopt different approaches and have diverse applications. To gain a comprehensive understanding of these technologies, exploring relevant artificial intelligence courses can be beneficial. 

What is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the computer emulation of human intelligence functions.  This includes learning, reasoning, and self-correction. There are two types of AI: specific or weak AI and global or strong AI.

Narrow AI is designed to perform a specific task, such as playing chess, identifying images, or translating languages. It is trained on specific data sets and can only perform tasks that it has been programmed to do. Narrow AI, also known as weak AI, is focused on performing specific tasks such as chess playing, image identification, or language translation. It undergoes artificial intelligence training on specific data sets and is limited to the tasks it has been programmed for, highlighting its specialized nature.


General AI, on the other hand, is designed to have human-like intelligence and the ability to reason and learn across different tasks and domains. It can perform tasks that it has not been specifically programmed to do, making it more flexible and adaptable.

What is Cognitive Computing?

Cognitive computing, on the other hand, is a subset of AI that focuses on simulating human thought processes. It is designed to mimic the way the human brain works, including perception, reasoning, and decision-making. Cognitive computing, a subset of AI, aims to replicate human thought processes by simulating functions like perception, reasoning, and decision-making. Unlike narrow AI, it encompasses a broader scope and emphasizes emulating human cognition. Professionals seeking expertise in cognitive computing can benefit from artificial intelligence certification to validate their understanding and skills in this field.

Cognitive computing systems use natural language processing, machine learning, and other AI techniques to understand, interpret, and respond to complex data. These systems are designed to learn from experience and improve their performance over time.

Key Differences between AI and Cognitive Computing

AI and cognitive computing differ in their approaches to creating intelligent machines. AI emphasizes task-specific performance, whereas cognitive computing aims to develop machines that can reason and learn like humans. To delve deeper into these distinctions and gain expertise in either field, professionals can explore resources offered by reputable artificial intelligence institutes.

Another difference is the types of data that they are designed to process. AI is designed to work with structured data, such as numbers and formulas. Cognitive computing, on the other hand, is designed to work with unstructured data, such as images, text, and speech.

The third difference between AI and cognitive computing is the level of human-like intelligence they can achieve. AI can perform specific tasks at a high level of accuracy, but it lacks the ability to reason and learn in a human-like way. Cognitive computing, on the other hand, is designed to mimic human thought processes, making it more flexible and adaptable.

Applications of AI and Cognitive Computing

AI is used in a wide range of applications, including natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, and speech recognition. It is used in industries such as healthcare, finance, and transportation to automate tasks and improve efficiency.

Cognitive computing is used in applications such as fraud detection, risk management, and personalized medicine. It is also used in industries such as finance, healthcare, and retail to improve decision-making and provide better customer experiences.

Summary

In conclusion, AI and cognitive computing, often confused, are distinct technologies. AI emphasizes task-specific machine performance, while cognitive computing aims to create machines with human-like reasoning and learning abilities. Professionals seeking to deepen their understanding in either field can benefit from artificial intelligence training courses offered by reputable  artificial intelligence training institutes.

Both of these technologies have their own strengths and weaknesses, and they are both important for creating intelligent machines that can improve our lives in many ways. Whether you are working in healthcare, finance, or any other industry, it is important to understand the differences between AI and cognitive computing and how they can be applied to your work.

In case you have found a mistake in the text, please send a message to the author by selecting the mistake and pressing Ctrl-Enter.
Gour sinha 2
Joined: 1 year ago
Comments (0)

    No comments yet

You must be logged in to comment.

Sign In / Sign Up