Artificial Intelligence can be grouped in different ways, from chatbots to super-robots. Here are the different types of artificial intelligence explained with practical examples that you can relate to. Read through with undivided attention as I unveil all you need to know.
We usually talk about AI as if it were one single thing, but in reality, it exists in different forms. When you use ChatGPT to generate content, you have interacted with just one type of artificial intelligence. AI is bigger than the common tools, gaining mass adoption.
Now, as you begin to learn or use AI tools heavily in daily tasks, you must understand the different types so as not to get confused when asked to explain which one you used. This is what this article is here to teach you.
In this post, we will explore the different artificial intelligence that exists, as well as give examples that will make everything very clear. I urge you to follow me closely till the last sentence.
Types of Artificial Intelligence
AI is generally classified in two major ways. They are:
- Based on capabilities
- Based on functionality
Let us now break them down in a simpler way.
Types of AI Based on Capabilities
This classification is based on how advanced or powerful an AI system is. It is how they learn and how far they can apply their knowledge. Look at the three types below.
1. Artificial Narrow Intelligence (Weak AI)
Artificial Narrow Intelligence, also known as weak AI, is designed to carry out one specific task very well. It cannot think beyond how it was designed or what it was programmed to do. Almost all common AI systems used today fall into this category of narrow AI. Examples are:
- Voice assistants like Alexa or Siri
- Spam filters in email
- Self-driving cars
- Recommendations from Netflix
2. Artificial General Intelligence (Strong AI)
Artificial General Intelligence is a more advanced one. It can think, learn, understand, and perform a wide range of tasks at a human level. Though this type of AI is still a work in progress, the groundwork could be built from technologies like quantum hardware, generative AI, and supercomputers.
An example is a robot that can learn any skill, from cooking to coding, to others, without being specifically programmed to do so.
3. Artificial Super Intelligence
Super AI, also known as artificial superintelligence, is the most advanced and theoretical form of AI. It would be smarter than humans, make decisions independently and also improve itself over time. ASI would simply be the backbone technology of completely self-aware AI and other individual robots.
An example is an AI system that can outperform humans in every field, from science to medicine to business, etc. It is good to note that this type of AI is still purely theoretical.
According to the CEO of AI writing company Jasper, this super AI will become by far the most capable form of intelligence on earth.
Types of AI Based on Functionality
This classification focuses on how AI systems operate. It is simply how an AI applies its learning capabilities to process data, respond, and interact with its environment. The four types include:
1. Reactive Machines
These are the simplest type of machines. They can respond to immediate requests and tasks, but are not able to store memory, learn from past experiences, or respond to current input. Reactive machines are useful in basic autonomous functions only.
An example is IBM’s Deep Blue (Chess-playing computer) that can beat a world champion but cannot learn from previous games.
2. Limited Memory AI
This AI represents the majority of the AI applications we use today. It can store past data, use the data to make decisions, and improve over time. It is powered by deep learning, which imitates the function of neurons in the human brain, such that it absorbs data from experiences and learns from them.
Examples of limited memory AI are:
- Self-driving cars (they use past data to make driving decisions)
- Chabots that use deep learning improve functionality
3. Theory of Mind AI
This type is one that has the ability to recognize and interpret the emotions of others. It is still under development, but it aims to understand human emotions and interact socially like humans. A socially intelligent AI may bring a lot of innovations to the industry, but poses a huge risk.
An example is an AI that can understand your mood and respond emotionally.
4. Self-Aware AI
Self-aware AI is the most advanced in this category. It would have consciousness, understand its own existence, and even go ahead to make independent decisions. It is said that once self-aware AI is reached, AI machines will be beyond human control.
There’s no example about this yet, as it is still purely theoretical.
Common Functional Classifications
- Generative AI: This creates new content in the form of images or text based on the prompt given. An example is ChatGPT
- Machine Learning: These are systems that use patterns from data to improve performance without being specifically programmed.
- Deep Learning: This is a subset of ML that uses neural networks to process complex data, such as voice recognition.
- Natural Language Processing: NLP makes it possible for AI to understand/ interpret human language, as seen in Apple’s Siri or Amazon’s Alexa.
- Computer Vision: This helps machines to interpret visual information from the world.
Conclusion
Artificial intelligence is not a single thing. It exists in different forms, depending on how it is designed. Understanding the different types will help you know what AI can and cannot do, and also help you in choosing the right area to focus on while learning.
What is the Most Common Type of AI Today?
The widely used types of AI today are Artificial Narrow Intelligence and Limited Memory AI.
What Type of AI is ChatGPT?
ChatGPT falls under Artificial Narrow Intelligence and Limited Memory AI.
Is Super AI real?
No, it is still a theoretical concept for now.