Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems. These processes include learning (the acquisition of information and rules for using it), reasoning (the ability to use rules to reach approximate or definite conclusions), and self-correction. AI can be categorized into two main types: narrow AI, which is designed to perform a specific task (such as voice assistants or recommendation systems), and general AI, which would possess the ability to understand, learn, and apply intelligence across a wide range of tasks, similar to a human.

AI technologies often utilize methods such as machine learning, where algorithms are trained on large datasets to improve their performance over time, and deep learning, which mimics the structure of the human brain through neural networks to recognize patterns and make decisions. Applications of AI span various fields including healthcare (diagnostic tools), finance (fraud detection), automotive (self-driving cars), and entertainment (content recommendation), making it a transformative force across industries. As research and development in AI continue to advance, ethical considerations and discussions about implications for society also grow, highlighting the importance of responsible deployment and governance of AI systems.