AI Terms 101

There are so many types of AI out there, that it’s easy to get lost in the tech jargon. Let’s clarify the different flavours of AI.

1. General AI: The Holy Grail

General AI is the stuff of sci-fi – machines that can match human intelligence across all domains. We’re not there yet, but the potential is mind-boggling. Imagine an AI assistant that can:

• Negotiate contracts
• Develop business strategies
• Innovate products

2. Narrow AI: The Specialist

This is the AI we interact with daily. It’s brilliant at specific tasks but lacks general intelligence. Think Siri, Alexa, or those eerily accurate Netflix recommendations. Narrow AI excels in:

• Image recognition
• Language translation
• Personalised marketing

3. Machine Learning: The Pattern Finder

Machine Learning is the engine driving most AI applications today. It’s all about algorithms that improve through experience. ML is revolutionising:

• Fraud detection in finance
• Supply chain optimisation
• Predictive maintenance in manufacturing

4. Deep Learning: The Brain Mimic

Deep Learning takes Machine Learning to the next level, using artificial neural networks inspired by the human brain. It’s particularly good at:

• Speech recognition
• Autonomous vehicles
• Drug discovery

5. Natural Language Processing: The Communicator

NLP bridges the gap between human communication and computer understanding. It’s powering:

• Chatbots for customer service
• Sentiment analysis for brand monitoring
• Automated report generation

Each type of AI offers unique opportunities for businesses to innovate, streamline operations, and gain a competitive edge. The key is to identify which flavour of AI aligns best with your business goals and challenges.