Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems. These processes encompass various cognitive tasks such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, understanding natural language, and even decision-making. AI systems can be categorized into two primary types: narrow AI, which is designed to perform specific tasks (such as voice recognition or image analysis), and general AI, which aims to have the ability to perform any intellectual task that a human can do.

AI operates through the use of algorithms, which are sets of rules or instructions that enable machines to process data and learn from it. Machine Learning, a subset of AI, involves training these algorithms on large datasets so they can recognize patterns, make predictions, or improve performance over time. Another component of AI is Deep Learning, which mimics the structure and function of the human brain through neural networks, allowing for more complex data representation and interpretation.

The applications of AI are vast and include fields such as healthcare (diagnosing diseases), finance (fraud detection), automotive (self-driving cars), and customer service (chatbots). As technology advances, AI continues to evolve, raising discussions about ethical implications, job displacement, and the future of human-computer interaction.