Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. It involves the development of algorithms and computational models that enable computers to perform tasks that typically require human cognitive functions. These tasks can include problem-solving, understanding natural language, recognizing patterns, planning, and decision-making.

AI can be categorized into two main types: narrow AI and general AI. Narrow AI is designed to perform a specific task, such as facial recognition or language translation, and is the most prevalent form of AI currently in use. General AI, on the other hand, refers to a hypothetical type of AI that possesses the ability to understand, learn, and apply intelligence across a broad range of tasks, much like a human.

The key components of AI technologies include Machine Learning (ML), where systems learn from data and improve their performance over time; neural networks, which are inspired by the human brain and are used for pattern recognition; and natural language processing (NLP), which enables machines to understand and generate human language.

AI has numerous applications across various fields, including healthcare (diagnosing diseases), finance (fraud detection), automotive (self-driving cars), and customer service (chatbots). As AI continues to evolve, it raises important ethical considerations and implications regarding privacy, job displacement, and decision-making accountability.