Internet
Fact-checked

At EasyTechJunkie, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Different Types of Artificial Intelligence Technology?

Troy Holmes
Troy Holmes

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a growing trend in computer automation systems. Several types of AI technology are available. These include robotics, voice-recognition systems, and many smart computer systems. Artificial intelligence refers to any computer system that uses a logical process to learn and improve based on the surrounding environment and prior mistakes.

Robotics is an area that is evolving with artificial intelligence technology. Historically, robots were dumb computers that could only move with manual remote controls. Modern robots include environment sensors that can detect explosives and other materials. This creates a smarter robot that can be used in dangerous conditions including accidents involving hazardous materials and nuclear disasters.

Artificial intelligence will falls  far short of the capacity of the human brain.
Artificial intelligence will falls far short of the capacity of the human brain.

One of the most basic systems that uses AI technology is the automatic vacuum. This household gadget that can actually learn and map the logistics of a living area. The automatic vacuum cleaner is a device that learns these coordinates based on hitting the walls and furniture of the home. Once the vacuum has mapped the rooms, it can clean the rooms without hitting any obstacle.

While the military currently uses robotic micro air vehicles for scouting, it is believed that advances in swarm robotics will allow thousands of small drones to attack enemy positions as one coordinated force.
While the military currently uses robotic micro air vehicles for scouting, it is believed that advances in swarm robotics will allow thousands of small drones to attack enemy positions as one coordinated force.

Voice-recognition systems are another form of artificial intelligence technology. This computer technology is quickly becoming available in most cars and cell phones. Voice-recognition systems were one of the most difficult systems to build because voices have specific characteristics that are hard to decipher. Modern voice-recognition systems learn commands based on the user voice, and then learn to accept commands based on that pattern.

Several companies have designed humanoid robots that can navigate and make decisions in domestic environments.
Several companies have designed humanoid robots that can navigate and make decisions in domestic environments.

Chat bots are another form of this technology available on social networking sites. These computer-automated friends are able to learn and ask questions based on dialog with humans. Chat bots are a trendy AI technology that have limited intelligence but are good for entertainment purposes.

Smart computer systems also use a form of artificial intelligence technology. One of the most prevalent uses of this technology is car navigation systems. When a driver uses a navigation system, the computer gives automated directions based on the destination and location of the automobile. If the driver makes a mistake, the system recalculates the route based on the missed direction.

Artificial intelligence technology is undergoing a great evolution, but is still far short of the capacity of the human brain. It may take several decades before computers will have the ability to actually use logic to determine the best approach for problem solving. The current AI systems can learn, but in a limited spectrum. This is because the human brain processes thousands of variables to solve a specific problem.

Discussion Comments

miriam98

@David09 - Well I know they have these things called “neural networks” in computer science. I don’t know exactly how they work, but supposedly they are supposed to mimic the functionality of the human brain – the neurons to be specific.

If they can figure out a way to make the neural networks the standard technology for personal computers, then maybe the kind of artificial intelligence you are talking about will become a reality.

I think we have some limitations in terms of hardware and software requirements at the moment however.

David09

@everetra - What is artificial intelligence, really? I think that is the subtext of what you’re talking about when you say that the program appeared to be intelligent through its AI chat function, but actually was fooling everybody.

Computers do have the ability to learn. Just take the famous chess software programs for example, which have defeated world renowned chess players.

What computers can’t do is develop consciousness. So even in cases where we have robots that can do things like scan a vicinity for dangerous materials, there is a limit to how much they can “know.”

But for all intents and purposes I would have to say that these applications, at least for now, are intelligent enough for what we need.

everetra

I remember some of the early applications of artificial intelligence. There was a computer program called “Eliza” that you could chat with.

After some time it would “learn” more about what you were saying and its responses were more and more intelligent, or so it seemed. It was more of a parlor trick in my opinion.

Of course the responses from the software program were canned but it did seem to have the ability to refine them somewhat. I had the program installed on my old TRS 80 Model 3, back in the early days of personal desktop computers.

I was able to fool a few of my friends with it but they picked up after awhile that the thing wasn’t that smart.

Nowadays you see a similar application to that technology in some smart phones that have a web based smart search tool, where you can just speak into it and it will understand what you’re saying (supposedly).

golf07

There are many times when I have to put my car navigation system on mute. I understand the way it works, but it can drive me crazy when I know where I am going, even though the system doesn't know that.

Listening to the automated voice telling me over and over again that she is recalculating, and that I need to turn around gets very annoying.

Artificial intelligence systems for GPS units have come a long way in the last few years. I would be pretty lost if I didn't have one in my car. I don't even think about looking for directions before I leave the house anymore.

It is so easy to input the information in to the GPS and go from there. My husband, on the other hand, will use the car navigation system, but always has a map with him too.

I must admit, there has been more than once when I was really glad he brought the map along.

SarahSon

@honeybees - I have a small robotic floor vacuum that I bought for under $50. This works when I am in a hurry and don't have time to do the deep cleaning.

I would never give up my traditional vacuum though. This robotic vacuum will pick up a lot of the pet hair, dirt tracked in from the front door and the kitty litter than gets outside the box.

I have had better luck with it on tile and wood floors than on carpet. For what I paid for it, I have been satisfied with the results. It is small and doesn't take up much room.

I don't know what kind of artificial intelligence program was used for this vacuum. I can program it to run in a spiral or random motion, or to go along the wall. This works best for the pet hair because it seems to accumulate along the edge of the walls.

honeybees

I remember hearing about robots helping you with the housework for many years now. When I read about new technology in the news, it sounds like they have made a lot of improvements over the years. Does anybody really have one of these robots in your home?

I love the thought of having a robotic vacuum that I can just turn on and let it go to work. Once it figured out where all of my chairs, tables and furniture was, it should be able to vacuum without bumping in to anything.

This would be a significant improvement over my kids helping with the vacuuming, but it also wouldn't help them learn the value of working to keep the house clean.

I am just curious how these really work, and how much something like this would cost.

myharley

I am not one to always have the newest technology gadgets, but I am always interested in the strides they make in artificial intelligence software.

Even though this doesn't come close to the capabilities of the human brain, I find it amazing what they are capable of.

The voice recognition software is great if you are on the road a lot, and need to use your cell phone to communicate.

This way you don't have to take your eyes off the road to dial a number. As far as safety precautions when it comes to driving and talking on the cell phone, I see this as no different than talking with someone who is actually in the car with you.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Artificial intelligence will falls  far short of the capacity of the human brain.
      By: Alexandr Mitiuc
      Artificial intelligence will falls far short of the capacity of the human brain.
    • While the military currently uses robotic micro air vehicles for scouting, it is believed that advances in swarm robotics will allow thousands of small drones to attack enemy positions as one coordinated force.
      While the military currently uses robotic micro air vehicles for scouting, it is believed that advances in swarm robotics will allow thousands of small drones to attack enemy positions as one coordinated force.
    • Several companies have designed humanoid robots that can navigate and make decisions in domestic environments.
      By: aerogondo
      Several companies have designed humanoid robots that can navigate and make decisions in domestic environments.