Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are designed to think, learn, and solve problems like a human. These systems are programmed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as understanding natural language, recognizing patterns, solving complex puzzles, and making decisions.

AI encompasses a wide range of technologies and methodologies, including machine learning, where algorithms improve their performance as they process more data; natural language processing (NLP), which enables machines to understand and generate human language; and computer vision, which allows systems to interpret and make decisions based on visual data.

AI can be categorized into two main types: narrow AI, which is designed for specific tasks (like voice assistants or recommendation systems), and general AI, which aims to understand and perform any intellectual task that a human can do. While narrow AI is widely used today, general AI remains a theoretical concept and is a subject of ongoing research.

The impact of AI is significant across various domains, including healthcare, finance, transportation, and entertainment, as it continues to revolutionize how humans interact with technology. However, the development and implementation of AI also raise ethical concerns regarding privacy, job displacement, and decision-making accountability.