What is artificial intelligence and how is it used?

4 Sep 2020 12:06 PM

Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to be a "defining future technology", but what exactly is AI and how does it already affect our lives?

Definition of artificial intelligence

AI is the ability of a machine to display human-like capabilities such as reasoning, learning, planning and creativity.

AI enables technical systems to perceive their environment, deal with what they perceive, solve problems and act to achieve a specific goal. The computer receives data - already prepared or gathered through its own sensors such as a camera - processes it and responds.

AI systems are capable of adapting their behaviour to a certain degree by analysing the effects of previous actions and working autonomously.

Why is AI important?

Some AI technologies have been around for more than 50 years, but advances in computing power, the availability of enormous quantities of data and new algorithms have led to major AI breakthroughs in recent years.

Artificial intelligence is seen as central to the digital transformation of society and it has become an EU priority.

Future applications are expected to bring about enormous changes, but AI is already present in our everyday lives.

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