An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI)

What is AI?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a type of technology that allows computers to think and learn like humans. It helps machines understand information, solve problems, and even communicate with people. Computers cannot think, empathise or reason.

However, scientists have developed systems that can perform tasks which usually require human intelligence, trying to replicate how people acquire and use knowledge. AI programmes can process large amounts of data, identify patterns and follow detailed instructions about what to do with that information.

This could be trying to anticipate what product an online shopper might buy, based on previous purchases, in order to recommend items.

The technology is also behind voice-controlled virtual assistants like Apple's Siri and Amazon's Alexa, and is being used to develop systems for self-driving cars.

AI also helps social platforms like Facebook, TikTok and X decide what posts to show users. Streaming services Spotify and Deezer use AI to suggest music.

Scientists are also using AI as a way to help spot cancers, speed up diagnoses and identify new medicines. (Narrow AI)

Computer vision, a form of AI that enables computers to detect objects or people in images, is being used by radiographers to help them review X-ray results.

The goal of AI is to make machines smarter so they can help people in many areas of life.

How do programmes like ChatGPT and Microsoft Co-Pilot work?

There are a number of AI programmes such as ChatGPT - a kind of AI developed by OpenAI; and Microsoft Co Pilot. It can understand questions and have conversations with people, just like talking to a real person. You can ask AI to help with writing, answering questions, explaining things, or even creating stories. It uses a lot of information from books, websites, and other texts to give helpful and smart responses. AI does not think for itself – it draws on content already developed.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has increasingly become part of everyday life over the past decade.

It is used for everything from personalising social media feeds to powering medical breakthroughs.

But as big tech firms and governments vie to be at the forefront of AI's development, critics have expressed caution over its potential misuse, ethical complexities and environmental impact.