What is artificial intelligence?
- Stéphane Guy
- Dec 4
- 6 min read
While everyone is talking about artificial intelligence with DALL-E, ChatGPT, Copilot, and Suno, have you ever wondered what these programs actually do? To answer that question, it helps to ask a simple question: What is AI, really? Let's take a look.
In short
Artificial intelligence is a field that encompasses several techniques for simulating one or more human behaviours in computer programs.
AI works by collecting and processing data before using a learning model such as machine learning or deep learning.
There are several types of AI, ranging from weak AI (ANI), which specialises in simple tasks, to super AI (ASI), which is still theoretical and would surpass human intelligence.
AI is used to automate tasks, assist humans in their work, and accelerate scientific research in various fields.
Many AIs are available to the public, such as ChatGPT, Copilot, Suno, and DALL-E, each with specific uses.
What is AI: a simple definition
Artificial intelligence is not a specific technology or technique, but an entire field. As such, artificial intelligence, or AI, is a set of techniques aimed at enabling a program to simulate one or more human behaviours and/or perform complex tasks. For example, a text-based assistant for a website will be equipped with several technologies and computer programs to respond appropriately, appropriately, and "humanly" to Internet users who have questions.
That is why we talk about artificial intelligence: the goal of this field and these techniques is to simulate "intelligence" in a computer program. Artificially, therefore, hence the name. To quote IBM's definition, "It is the science and engineering of creating intelligent machines, including intelligent computer programs."*
How does AI work?
AI operates according to a specific protocol. It often begins with an initial data collection phase. AI requires a large amount of data to learn. This data forms the basis for AI learning. The data must then be made usable, often by classifying it, cleaning it, and making it understandable to the AI. Once the data has been collected and made usable, a learning model must be chosen. There are several models available:
Machine learning (ML)
Machine learning allows AI to learn more and more without human intervention. This type of learning is therefore based on a large amount of data. It generally involves user-oriented AI, such as applications. For example, if your e-book application is able to recommend books that are increasingly relevant to you, it is because you, along with all other users of the application, have provided it with a large amount of data in the form of your reading history, wish lists, etc. In this way, AI is learning more and more about the tastes of people on the platform and is increasingly able to offer them accurate recommendations.
Deep learning, to truly imitate humans
Deep learning is based on a system of computer neurons, also known as nodes. These are organised into several layers, and their purpose is to mimic the human brain so that AI can learn and interact "like us." Unlike machine learning, which does not require human intervention and is therefore suitable for general tasks (website chatbots, recommendations based on concrete data, etc.), deep learning can be calibrated to a greater or lesser extent by human teams. Its operation via an artificial neural network makes it suitable for more creative tasks, such as music, writing, or image generation. There are several modes of deep learning, each more or less suited to certain fields.
What types of artificial intelligence exist?
Weak artificial intelligence, or ANI
Weak artificial intelligence, also known as Artificial Narrow Intelligence, or ANI, is the most limited type of AI. It often refers to AI used in autonomous cars as autopilot, voice assistants, or programs that filter emails or phone calls. It is therefore often AI that is limited to a single function and does not require "thinking" or complex tasks.
Artificial general intelligence, or AGI
Artificial general intelligence, or AGI, refers to AI that closely resembles human intelligence. AGI is AI capable of performing complex tasks and responding to specific requests. Perhaps almost all current AI can already be classified in this category: ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, etc. This is still a matter of debate within the scientific community. Would you like to learn more about these AI systems? Our articles explain what ChatGPT is and how it works, as well as how to get started and learn to use artificial intelligence.
Artificial superintelligence, or ASI
Still in the realm of science fiction fantasy, artificial super intelligence, or ASI, refers to AI capable of surpassing humans. It is therefore AI capable of producing higher quality results than humans in all requests, or at least in a large number of them. We can also imagine ASI specialised in specific fields such as mathematics, astronomy, etc.
If you are interested in the topic of types of AI intelligence, we have written a comprehensive article on the subject: Super AI, weak AI, strong AI... what types of artificial intelligence exist?
What is AI used for, and what is its purpose?
We touched on this briefly above, but one of the goals of AI is to make our daily lives easier. How? By making our cars partially or fully autonomous, recommending music or books tailored to our tastes, or even suggesting alternative routes in real time. AI systems available to the general public are primarily designed for these kinds of tasks.
Perform and automate repetitive and/or tedious tasks
Another great promise of AI is that it will free us from tedious tasks that no one likes to do. One example is robot vacuum cleaners, which are becoming increasingly intelligent thanks to AI and are performing better and better. Other examples include tasks that are more complex in terms of intelligence, such as sorting emails or doing accounting. AI is already capable of doing all of this, either partially or completely.
Accelerate research in certain areas
Another major area where AI is expected to play a role is research. Indeed, AI promises to assist researchers in certain fields in accelerating research. One example is astronomy, where AI is already being used to scan thousands of stars and signals, then classify them and help scientists classify and detect certain signals and types of celestial bodies more quickly.
Assisting humans in their work
In the same vein as "accelerating research," AI is already capable of assisting humans in their work in certain fields. Examples include computer coding, where AI can suggest parts of code, and writing, where programs such as ChatGPT and Copilot can suggest optimised plans based on a company's needs.
What types of artificial intelligence already exist?
There is already a plethora of artificial intelligence available on the Internet, both free and paid. Examples include ChatGPT, Copilot, Suno, DALL-E, Midjourney, PixAI, and Gemini.
What is the best AI?
It is impossible to say that one AI is better than another, as it depends on how you want to use it and what you are looking for in artificial intelligence. Some AIs are capable of creating music, others images, etc. Ultimately, it's up to you to choose the most suitable program! At 360°AI, we chose Suno AI for our 100% AI music!
FAQ
1. Can AI really "think" like a human?
No, AI does not "think" in the human sense of the word. It processes data and applies mathematical models. Even neural networks, inspired by the brain, remain a simulation that is very far removed from our cognition.
2. Why are some AI systems said to be biased?
Because they learn from data produced by humans. If this data contains stereotypes, errors, or discrimination, AI risks reproducing them.
3. What is more expensive in AI: the model or the data?
Often, it's the data. Collecting, cleaning, and making it usable requires enormous human and technical resources.
4. Can AI learn without data?
No. Even so-called "self-learning" AI needs a starting point. The difference is that it can then improve on its own based on new data.
5. Are current AIs self-aware?
No, no AI has consciousness, real emotions, or subjectivity. When an AI "talks about itself," it is only an imitation based on its training data.
Comments