Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are designed to think and act like humans. This encompasses systems or programs that are capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation. AI can be categorized into two main types: narrow AI, which is specialized for specific tasks (like virtual assistants or recommendation systems), and general AI, which possesses the ability to understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a wide range of tasks, similar to human cognitive abilities.

AI works by utilizing algorithms, massive datasets, and computational power to recognize patterns, learn from experiences, and make predictions or decisions based on that data. Techniques such as machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and robotics all fall under the broader umbrella of AI. The technology is rapidly evolving and is being applied across various industries, transforming sectors like healthcare, finance, transportation, and entertainment, while also raising discussions about ethics, job displacement, and the future of work.