Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. AI encompasses a variety of technologies and concepts, including Machine Learning, natural language processing, robotics, and computer vision. These systems are designed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as understanding language, recognizing patterns, solving problems, and making decisions.

AI can be categorized into two main types: narrow AI and general AI. Narrow AI is designed for specific tasks, such as language translation or image recognition, and operates within a limited context. General AI, on the other hand, represents a theoretical form of AI that could understand, learn, and apply intelligence across a wide range of tasks at human-level capability, although this form has not yet been realized.

In recent years, AI has seen significant advancements due to the availability of large datasets, powerful computational resources, and sophisticated algorithms. Applications of AI are found in various fields, including healthcare, finance, transportation, and entertainment, with ongoing research focusing on enhancing its capabilities while addressing ethical considerations related to privacy, bias, and the impact of automation on employment.