Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the capability of a machine or software to mimic human cognitive functions such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and understanding natural language. AI systems are designed to analyze data, recognize patterns, and make decisions with minimal human intervention.

AI can be categorized into two main types: narrow AI, which is specialized for specific tasks (like image recognition or language translation), and general AI, which would possess the ability to understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a wide range of tasks, similar to a human being.

The development of AI encompasses various subfields, such as Machine Learning (where algorithms learn from data), neural networks (inspired by the human brain’s structure), natural language processing (enabling machines to understand and interpret human languages), and robotics.

AI technology is utilized across many industries, including healthcare for diagnosing diseases, finance for predictive analytics, autonomous vehicles for navigation, and customer service through chatbots and virtual assistants. As AI continues to evolve, it raises important ethical, societal, and regulatory considerations that need to be addressed to ensure its beneficial use.