← AI Fundamentals
AI Fundamentals · Module 1 · Lesson 1

What is Artificial
Intelligence?

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Learning objectives 00:00

By the end, you should be able to…

The definition 00:00:40

Human intelligence, simulated by machines

“The simulation of human intelligence processes by machines.”

Humans

recognise faces, solve puzzles

Machines

strive to do similar things

Tasks that historically required human intelligence
ReasoningUnderstanding languageRecognising patternsLearning from experienceMaking decisions
A field, not a robot 00:01:20

AI is an umbrella term

AI isn't a single program or robot. It's a broad field of computer science that holds many technologies and techniques.

The scope 00:02:00

From simple to complex

Key characteristics 00:02:33

Perceive → Reason → Act → Learn

Follow the lesson's self-driving car example through each step.

Step 1 of 4

Inside the Reason step

How “a camera image” becomes “that's a pedestrian, so slow down”.

pedestrian · 94% steps in ~2 s car reaches that spot in ~2.5 s ⚠ Risk → slow down

What AI is not 00:03:29

Fixed rules vs. learning

AI isn't a magical superintelligence, and not every program is AI.

Not AI

Calculator

Applies predefined arithmetic rules.

rule: a + b 2 + 2 = 4
Improvementnone, ever
AI

Spam filter

Learns from the emails it has seen.

examples seen: 0 accuracy: 60%
Improvementadapts with data

AI systems, in contrast, are designed to cope with variability and to make appropriate choices based on the data they receive.

Try it

AI, or just a program?

Ask yourself whether it adapts and makes judgements, or only follows a fixed routine.

Summary 00:04:50

Four things to remember

Try to answer each one in your head before the timer runs out, then mark yourself honestly. Remembering first beats re-reading.