Overview of Artificial Intelligence – Key Vocabulary

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering fundamental terms, technologies, historical milestones, AI types, processes, applications and programming languages discussed in the lecture notes. These cards aim to reinforce key concepts and facilitate efficient exam review.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

A branch of computer science devoted to creating machines that can perform tasks requiring human-like intelligence such as reasoning, learning and decision-making.

Data Science

The scientific study of methods, processes and systems that extract knowledge or insights from data for societal benefit.

John McCarthy

Computer scientist known as the ‘father of AI’; defined AI as the science and engineering of making intelligent machines.

Turing Test

Alan Turing’s 1950 proposal for evaluating whether a machine exhibits human-level intelligence through conversational indistinguishability.

Machine Learning (ML)

A subset of AI that enables systems to learn automatically from data and improve from experience without explicit programming.

Deep Learning (DL)

A type of machine learning that uses multi-layered neural networks to learn representations directly from large datasets.

Artificial Neural Network (ANN)

Computing architecture inspired by the human brain, consisting of interconnected nodes (neurons) that process information.

Expert System

AI program that emulates the decision-making ability of a human expert using a knowledge base and inference engine.

Fuzzy Logic

Logic system that handles reasoning with degrees of truth rather than the binary true/false of Boolean logic.

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

AI field focused on enabling computers to understand, interpret and generate human language.

Reactive Machine

The most basic type of AI that responds to current inputs without memory of past events (e.g., IBM’s Deep Blue chess program).

Limited-Memory AI

Systems that can use a small amount of past data for decision-making, such as self-driving cars and chatbots.

Theory-of-Mind AI

Hypothetical AI capable of understanding human emotions, intentions and social interactions.

Self-Aware AI

Advanced, speculative AI that would possess consciousness and awareness of its own state.

Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI)

‘Weak AI’; systems designed to perform a single task exceedingly well, e.g., speech recognition.

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)

‘Strong AI’; a machine with human-level cognitive ability across diverse tasks and domains.

Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI)

Theoretical AI surpassing human intelligence in every field, possessing superior memory, analysis and decision-making.

Reasoning Process

AI cognitive skill of selecting algorithms to make judgments, decisions and predictions (includes inductive and deductive reasoning).

Learning Process

Acquisition of data and formation of rules (algorithms) that allow an AI system to improve performance over time.

Problem-Solving Process

AI method of moving from a current situation to a desired goal by choosing among alternative actions.

Perception Process

AI capability to collect, interpret and analyze sensor information to understand the environment.

Self-Correction Process

Continuous refinement of AI algorithms to enhance accuracy based on feedback.

Supervised Learning

ML paradigm where models are trained on labeled datasets to predict outcomes.

Unsupervised Learning

ML approach that finds hidden patterns or groupings in unlabeled data.

Reinforcement Learning

ML technique where an agent learns optimal actions through rewards and punishments from interactions with an environment.

Robotics

Engineering and science field that designs, builds and operates robots, often incorporating AI for autonomy.

Cobot (Collaborative Robot)

Smaller, multitasking industrial robot designed to work safely alongside humans.

Computer Vision

AI discipline that enables machines to interpret and act upon visual information from the world.

Image Recognition

Computer vision task of identifying and labeling objects or features in digital images.

Chatbot

AI program that simulates human conversation, often used in customer service and virtual assistance.

AI as a Service (AIaaS)

Cloud-based provision of AI tools and platforms allowing organizations to experiment with AI without large upfront investment.

Autonomous Vehicle

Self-driving car that uses AI, sensors and computer vision to navigate and operate without human input.

Precision Agriculture

AI-enabled farming practice that analyzes data (soil, weather, crop health) to optimize inputs and maximize yield.

Data Security in AI

Use of AI/ML techniques to detect, prevent and respond to cyber-threats and malware.

Vision System

AI setup combining cameras and algorithms to capture, process and interpret visual data for tasks such as inspection or surveillance.

Speech Recognition

AI technology that converts spoken language into machine-readable text.

Handwriting Recognition

AI ability to interpret and digitize text written by hand on paper or touchscreens.

Python (in AI)

Popular high-level programming language favored for AI due to simplicity and extensive libraries like TensorFlow and PyTorch.

Java (in AI)

Object-oriented language offering portability, security and libraries such as Deeplearning4j for AI development.

C++ (in AI)

High-performance language valued for fast execution in time-critical AI applications like game engines and search systems.

Deep Blue

IBM chess-playing computer that defeated world champion Garry Kasparov in 1997, exemplifying reactive AI.

AlphaGo

Google DeepMind system that defeated Go champion Lee Sedol, showcasing deep learning and reinforcement learning.

IBM Watson

AI platform capable of natural-language understanding; famously beat humans on the quiz show Jeopardy!.

Alexa

Amazon’s cloud-based voice assistant integrated into Echo devices, utilizing speech recognition and NLP.

Siri

Apple’s virtual assistant that performs tasks and answers questions through voice interaction on iOS devices.

Echo

Amazon smart speaker hardware that hosts the Alexa voice assistant.

Netflix Recommendation System

AI-driven algorithm that suggests films and shows to users based on viewing history and preferences.

Kiva Robot

Warehouse robot used by Amazon to move inventory shelves, improving fulfillment speed.

Cobol & Lisp (historical AI languages)

Early programming languages developed in the 1950s–60s and employed in early AI research.

Advantages of AI

Include higher accuracy, speed, reliability, risk handling and resource optimization through automated decision-making.

Disadvantages of AI

High cost, limited creativity, lack of emotions, dependency and potential ethical risks.