What is Artificial Intelligence? Everything to know about AI

Artificial Intelligence has been around for more than five decades, and we have only come to notice its existence in recent years. We know you are wondering what the earliest AI systems were used back then,  we'll quench your curiosity. The earliest Artificial Intelligence systems were developed to solve complex mathematical problems and play games like chess. 

Have we grasped your attention already? 

Great! 

This article/ AI Guide will teach you everything about artificial intelligence that there is to know. Without further ado, let's begin learning!

What is Artificial Intelligence? What are the Types of AI?

The term Artificial Intelligence has a broad definition that has been changing over the years. Britannica defines AI as "​​ the ability of a computer or a robot controlled by a computer to do tasks that humans usually do because they require human intelligence and discernment." Though this intelligence system is capable of performing specific regular human tasks, it cannot mimic everything a human does.

Types of Artificial Intelligence:

There are six types of Artificial Intelligence systems-

1. Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI)- This intelligence system can complete particular actions but cannot independently learn or perform other tasks. For instance, voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa or Apple's Siri are capable of performing specific tasks, like answering questions, setting reminders, or playing music. Unfortunately, they lack the ability to learn and reason beyond their programmed functionalities.
2. Artificial General Intelligence (AGI): This form of AI is designed to think, learn and perform tasks similar to humans. Let's take an example of a hypothetical AI system that possesses human-like cognitive abilities across a wide range of tasks. It can understand, learn, and apply knowledge in various domains, similar to how humans do. AGI could learn new skills and adapt to different situations just as humans can.
3. Artificial Superintelligence (ASI): This is a speculative concept where Artificial intelligence could become smarter than humans and solve complex problems. 
4. Reactive Machines AI- In this AI system, the software is capable of responding to actions or reactions in real time, but one drawback is that it cannot build memory or store information for the future. One of the best examples of Reactive Machine AI is IBM's Deep Blue computer in 1997, which famously defeated the then-world chess champion- Garry Kasparov. It could evaluate millions of possible chess moves and respond to the opponent's moves in real-time, but it had no memory of past games or the ability to learn from them.
5. Limited Memory AI- Artificial Intelligence of this type is designed so that it can store data and use it to learn and strategize to perform tasks in the future. A quick example of this would be the self-driving car. These cars' systems use past experiences to improve their driving behavior and decision-making over time.
6. Theory of Mind AI- This class of Artificial Intelligence is more speculative and complex. It involves understanding and responding to human emotions and mental states.

How Does Artificial Intelligence Work?

The primary goal of Artificial intelligence is to develop a system that can imitate the human mind and solve complex problems. The AI systems merge large datasets using intelligent processing algorithms that promptly run through numerous tasks. To effectively perform duties similar to human behavior, AI has developed two significant tools - Machine Learning and Deep Learning. 

Machine Learning (ML) - Machine learning is a subset of AI that expands the foundation of AI. It automatically grasps the data and presents results pertaining to the experience. In simpler words, the ML functions on fed data that helps identify different patterns with the help of statistical methods.

Deep Learning (DL) - Deep learning is a variation of Machine Learning that functions by using artificial neural networks to process data and discover results. This AI system employs artificial neural networks, which mimic the human brain's neural networks. It processes data, establishes links, and derives conclusions using positive and negative feedback. 

In addition to Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL), AI systems rely on robotics, cognitive computing abilities, natural language processing, and computer vision. These facets enable computer models to simulate human brain functions while handling complex tasks.

Two Approaches of Artificial Intelligence - Supervised and Unsupervised Learning

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are developed based on two different approaches- supervised learning and unsupervised learning.

Supervised Learning encompasses training a machine learning model using labeled data, where input is matched with the correct output. The primary goal is to gain accurate predictions or classifications of new data.

Unsupervised Learning trains models on unlabeled data, seeking patterns or structures within data without labeled guidance. The goal is to unveil inherent structures or groupings.

Top 5 Best AI Tools to Use in 2023

The development of AI has simplified so many tasks for us digitally that we cannot think of working otherwise. Following are the five best generative AI tools to use in 2023

Best AI Content Creation Tool of 2023: ChatGPT - 

ChatGPT is the most widely used AI Chat assistant. It aids users with text-based activities through user-friendly chat interactions. It adeptly handles diverse tasks, including coding and blog editing, using its well-trained LLM. 

Some of its best features include

• Conversational AI is capable of discussing various subjects and performing intricate tasks.
• Model selection options catering to your requirements include multiple GPT 3.5 versions and GPT 4.
• GPT 4 API facilitates integration with numerous services, enhancing the capabilities of the Large Language Model for your workflow and assignments.

Best AI Text to Image Tool of 2023: Midjourney- 

Midjourney is an AI text-to-image generator tool enabling users to create miscellaneous visuals like social media, websites, and marketing. 

• Text to AI image generator.
• Numerous possibilities using prompts and four images per prompt output.
• High-resolution images.

Best AI Video Generation Tool of 2023: Pictory AI- 

This AI-powered video-generating tool makes visually stunning videos from long-written content. All you need to do is paste your published content's URL, and it will generate a video with all the significant elements like media and voiceovers. 

Exciting Features of Pictory AI: 

• Creates Short videos from longer duration videos.
• Generates videos using stock media, background music, and AI-generated voices.
• Blog-to-video workflow editor.
• Automatically generated captions.

Best AI Text to Speech Generator Tool of 2023: Lovo AI- 

This text-to-speech generator tool enables users to convert text into audio using multiple voices and languages. The process is straightforward, paste your written content on the website, and it will generate a transcript using the TTS technology.

The best Features of this AI tool are: 

• 400+ natural-sounding voices at different pricing tiers
• 100+ languages supported
• Customizable speech settings and granular voice control

Best AI Plagiarism Detection Tool of 2023: Originality.ai- 

This artificial intelligence-powered plagiarism-detecting tool enables users to cross-check their content or the content they received for the level of originality or uniqueness it has. This tool scans content across billions of web pages and educative databases to identify uniqueness accurately. It also detects the use of content-creating AI tools.

Features of Originality.ai: 

• Detects Plagiarism
• Scans billions of web pages
• Produces accurate similarity report
• Detects AI content

What are the Advantages & Disadvantages of Artificial Intelligence?

In this artificial intelligence guide, we'll be discussing several advantages and disadvantages of AI:

Advantages of Artificial Intelligence

1. AI is Accurately Helpful- As we mentioned before, Artificial Intelligence is not only designed to help but also to study and observe us. The computers in our smart devices, such as cellphones, televisions, tablets, watches, voice assistants, etc, create sets of algorithms every second. This helps AI-based applications not only to reduce errors in our search for information but also to narrow down options by predictive analysis for user-based content, which will help us compare and make more precise decisions. Such as assistance in banking, running errands, shopping, reminders to hydrate, cooking a specific dish, choosing a show/film, or calling a friend/ loved one.
2. Artificial Intelligence Simplifies Businesses- The Internet is a thriving marketplace for new-age small-scale and medium-scale companies to network and operate online, with significant credits to AI-based system developers. Artificial Intelligence helps improve tedious processes, regulate services, work productively, and increase revenue. These companies can create chatbots to help with consumer concerns quickly. Creating posts for advertisements and promoting them online is easy with the advent of AI sites such as Midjourney, ChatGPT, Canva, and information websites to learn business online.
3. AI is a Rational Decision Maker- One of the major benefits of AI technology is its ability to provide and make rational decisions. This is due to its programming with no emotions and feelings. It abides by what is demanded ethically. Therefore, all subjective information can be objectively verifiable, unbiased.
4. Artificial Intelligence is Accessible and Available to All- Thanks to its programming, AI-based applications can be used in any part of the day. These systems do not require any rest and greatly assist in multitasking. Users can relax a little while it can carry out even the most mundane, repetitive tasks.
5. AI is Good at Predicting Risks Early- Doctors can predict health risks rapidly and perform complex surgeries precisely with AI computers and robots. AI is also integrated into all systems and application software used by technicians, specialists, and patients for monitoring and assistance. AI can help predict the weather, explore the depths of oceans and the earth, analyze risks, provide solutions, decipher the most challenging codes, and protect data.

Disadvantages of Artificial Intelligence:

1. Artificial Intelligence Lacks Creativity- As much as you would think about creativity on computers, Artificial Intelligence is very limited with it. Because it operates with sets of algorithms, it cannot think outside of the box and is dependent on your creative intellect for art and communication.
2. AI Requires Unending Computing Support- AI-based systems require developers and computers to work on them tirelessly as it requires debugging and training consistently. AI is programmed for Deep Learning operations. So computers, storage, skills, and power needed to run these are expensive. AI-based systems also create data of various sizes every second, emitting heavy carbon footprints, leading to global warming.
3. AI Lacks Empathy- Artificial Intelligence is employed and integrated in several industries and fields, from medical care centers to food delivery service portals. It can learn to identify emotions but not empathize and offer comfort to people in their most overwhelming conditions.
4. Humans are becoming Dependent on AI- AI services are at our fingertips. With a few taps, anything we need and want can be delivered to us at our doorstep without ever having to leave home. This, although subtle, is having a significant impact on us that we're unaware of. With more ease and AI services from our devices, we are becoming unproductive and lazy little by little every day, resulting in a loss of skills and quality of health. Due to excellent output and round-the-clock operation, AI is also replacing humans required at entry-level positions in companies, putting unemployment on the rise. While the influence of Artificial Intelligence on the job market is expected to be noteworthy, the extent of automation will only affect certain aspects of most professions and sectors. They are thus more likely to be complemented rather than substituted by AI.
5. The Potential of AI and Misuse- Many scientists, engineers, and pioneers worry about the potential of Artificial Intelligence as, overall, the potential is unknown and can cause more harm than good. 

Artificial-based systems such as our cellphones, televisions, webcams, voice assistants, and smartwatches track every activity (online and offline). That data is usable to surveil us and compromise our safety if fallen into the wrong hands. 

One cyber-attack and thousands of people's critical data can land on the dark web for predators. Companies are working round-the-clock, training AI systems to strengthen security and resist bypass.

Future of Artificial Intelligence

As per the reports from businesswire.com, the global AI market was worth around $62.35 billion in 2020, and it will be seeing growth at a CAGR of nearly 40% during the forecast period from 2021 to 2026. Major industries like finance, healthcare, IT, and data science depend heavily on artificial intelligence to analyze growth and tackle complex challenges. The current use of AI in businesses strongly suggests a promising future akin to the bright prospects of a sunny day.

Conclusion

Humans have become overly dependent on artificial intelligence to ease their daily tasks. This advancement of technology may be a bane instead of a boon to the world. Business prospects for AI technology look just as promising as they did a few years ago. We are keeping our fingers crossed for AI and machine learning to predict the future for us and help detect terminal diseases at the earliest stages possible. We hope our Artificial Intelligence guide has been insightful for you. Do leave your feedback in the comments section.