What Is AI?

The field of artificial intelligence arose from the idea that machines might be able to think like humans do. It required an analysis of how our brains process information and use it to perform new tasks and adapt to novel situations. Continuing exploration of these concepts has fueled technological innovation and led to the development of AI applications that use data to identify patterns, carry out predictions, and make decisions. Often these applications are more efficient and precise than humans are—sometimes replacing people to perform repetitive or tedious tasks and calculations. Today, rapid advances in the field have opened new avenues for research and discovery but also raise ethical and safety questions.