Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. This encompasses a wide range of technologies, including but not limited to Machine Learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics. AI systems are designed to analyze data, recognize patterns, make decisions, and solve problems, often improving their performance over time through experience.

AI can be classified into two main categories: narrow AI, which is designed to perform a specific task (like speech recognition or image classification), and general AI, which refers to a machine’s ability to understand and reason across a wide range of tasks at a human-like level. Narrow AI is currently the most prevalent form of AI in use today.

Applications of AI are vast and include areas such as autonomous vehicles, medical diagnostics, personalized recommendations on streaming services, financial market analysis, and customer service via chatbots. As technology advances, the potential for AI to augment human capabilities and automate complex processes continues to expand, raising important discussions on ethics, privacy, and the future of work.