Artificial Intelligence can be divided in various types, there are mainly two types of main categorization which are based on capabilities and based on functionally of AI. Following is flow diagram which explain the types of AI.
AI type-1: Based on Capabilities
Weak AI (Narrow AI):
- Description: Narrow AI is designed to perform a specific task with intelligence. It operates under a limited range and cannot perform tasks beyond its predefined capabilities.
- Examples:
- Apple Siri: Operates with a limited range of functions.
- IBM’s Watson: Uses an expert system approach combined with machine learning and natural language processing.
- Other Examples: Playing chess, purchasing suggestions on e-commerce sites, self-driving cars, speech recognition, and image recognition.
General AI:
- Description: General AI aims to perform any intellectual task that a human can. It strives to make machines as smart and capable as humans.
- Current Status: No existing system has achieved General AI. It remains a significant research focus.
Super AI:
- Description: Super AI surpasses human intelligence and can perform any task better than humans with cognitive properties. It encompasses abilities like reasoning, problem-solving, judgment, planning, learning, and communication.
- Current Status: Super AI is a hypothetical concept and does not exist yet. It represents an advanced stage of General AI.
Artificial Intelligence type-2: Based on functionality
1. Reactive Machines
- Purely reactive machines are the most basic types of Artificial Intelligence.
- Such AI systems do not store memories or past experiences for future actions.
- These machines only focus on current scenarios and react on it as per possible best action.
- IBM’s Deep Blue system is an example of reactive machines.
- Google’s AlphaGo is also an example of reactive machines.
2. Limited Memory
- Limited memory machines can store past experiences or some data for a short period of time.
- These machines can use stored data for a limited time period only.
- Self-driving cars are one of the best examples of Limited Memory systems. These cars can store recent speed of nearby cars, the distance of other cars, speed limit, and other information to navigate the road.
3. Theory of Mind
- Theory of Mind AI should understand the human emotions, people, beliefs, and be able to interact socially like humans.
- This type of AI machines are still not developed, but researchers are making lots of efforts and improvement for developing such AI machines.
4. Self-Awareness
- Self-awareness AI is the future of Artificial Intelligence. These machines will be super intelligent, and will have their own consciousness, sentiments, and self-awareness.
- These machines will be smarter than human mind.
- Self-Awareness AI does not exist in reality still and it is a hypothetical concept.
Summary
| Category | Type | Description | Examples | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capabilities | Weak AI (Narrow AI) | Performs specific tasks within a limited range. | Apple Siri, IBM Watson, Self-driving cars, Chess-playing AI | Commonly available |
| General AI | Performs any intellectual task with human-like efficiency. | None | Under research | |
| Super AI | Surpasses human intelligence, capable of cognitive functions like reasoning and problem-solving. | None | Hypothetical | |
| Functionality | Reactive Machines | Reacts to specific inputs without storing past experiences. | IBM Deep Blue, Google AlphaGo | Exists |
| Limited Memory | Stores data for a short period to perform specific tasks. | Self-driving cars | Exists | |
| Theory of Mind | Understands human emotions, beliefs, and social interactions. | None | Under research | |
| Self-Awareness | Possesses consciousness, sentiments, and self-awareness. | None | Hypothetical |
Conclusion
Artificial Intelligence is a rapidly evolving field with diverse types categorized by capabilities and functionality. While Narrow AI is prevalent in many applications today, General AI and Super AI remain the subjects of extensive research and development. On the functionality spectrum, AI systems range from basic reactive machines to the theoretical self-aware machines of the future. The continued advancement in AI promises to bring transformative changes to various sectors, making it an exciting area of technological development.
