Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. AI systems demonstrate at least some of the following behaviours associated with human intelligence: planning, learning, reasoning, problem-solving, discover meaning, knowledge representation, perception, motion, learn from past experience, manipulation and, to a lesser extent, social intelligence and creativity. They are tied to a system’s ability to adapt and improvise in a new environment, to generalise its knowledge and apply it to unfamiliar scenarios.

According to the current system of classification, there are four primary AI types: reactive, limited memory, theory of mind, and self-aware. These four types aren’t all created equal. Some are far more sophisticated than others. Some of these types of AI aren’t even scientifically possible right now.

Let us understand these four AI types in more detail

Reactive AI
The most basic type of artificial intelligence is Reactive AI, which is programmed to provide a predictable output based on the input it receives. Reactive machines always respond to identical situations in the exact same way every time, and they are not able to learn actions or conceive of past or future. Examples of reactive AI include:

• Deep Blue, the chess-playing IBM supercomputer that bested world champion Garry Kasparov.
• Spam filters for our email that keep promotions and phishing attempts out of our inboxes. The Netflix recommendation engine

Limited Memory AI
Limited memory AI learns from the past and builds experiential knowledge by observing actions or data. This type of AI uses historical, observational data in combination with pre-programmed information to make predictions and perform complex classification tasks. It is the most widely-used kind of AI today. For example, autonomous vehicles use limited memory AI to observe other cars’ speed and direction, helping them “read the road” and adjust as needed. This process for understanding and interpreting incoming data makes them safer on the roads. However, limited memory AI – as its name suggests – is still limited. The information that autonomous vehicles work with is fleeting, and it is not saved in the car’s long-term memory.

Theory of Mind AI
Want to hold a meaningful conversation with an emotionally intelligent robot that looks and sounds like a real human being? That’s on the horizon with theory of mind AI. With this type of AI, machines will acquire true decision-making capabilities that are similar to humans. Machines with theory of mind AI will be able to understand and remember emotions, then adjust behavior based on those emotions as they interact with people. There are still a number of hurdles to achieving theory of mind AI, because the process of shifting behavior based on rapidly shifting emotions is so fluid in human communication. It is difficult to mimic as we try to create more and more emotionally intelligent machines.

Self-aware AI
The most advanced type of artificial intelligence is self-aware AI. When machines can be aware of their own emotions, as well as the emotions of others around them, they will have a level of consciousness and intelligence similar to human beings. This type of AI will have desires, needs, and emotions as well. Machines with this type of AI will be self-aware of their internal emotions and mental states. They will be able to make inferences (such as “I’m feeling angry because someone cut me off in traffic”) that are not possible with other types of AI. This type of AI is yet to be developed and the hardware or algorithms to support it also yet to be developed.

Today, AI is a very popular subject that is widely discussed in technology and business circles. Many experts and industry analysts argue that AI or machine learning is the future – but if we look around, we are convinced that it’s not the future – it is the present. Unlike general perception, artificial intelligence is not limited to just IT or technology industry; instead, it is being extensively used in other areas such as medical, business, education, law, and manufacturing.

AI is being used widely to provide personalised recommendations to people, based for example on their previous searches and purchases or other online behaviour in ecommerce sites. AI is also hugely important in e-commerce: optimising products, planning inventory, logistics etc. Search engines learn from the vast input of data, provided by their users to provide relevant search results. Smartphones use AI to provide services that are as relevant and personalised as possible. Virtual assistants answering questions, providing recommendations and helping organise daily routines have become ubiquitous. Language translation software, either based on written or spoken text, relies on artificial intelligence to provide and improve translations. This also applies to functions such as automated subtitling. AI systems are also helping recognise and fight cyberattacks and other cyber threats based on the continuous input of data, recognising patterns and backtracking the attacks.