Plain language: Technology enabling machines to perform tasks that typically require human thinking, such as recognising images, understanding language, making recommendations, or solving problems.

Technical: An umbrella field of computer science encompassing systems designed to simulate cognitive functions including learning, reasoning, pattern recognition and problem-solving. Covers both rule-based and machine learning approaches.

Misconception: AI is often understood as a single, unified system with its own intentions or desires. In reality, it is a broad category covering many distinct tools and approaches, none of which thinks, decides or wants anything.

Real-world example: When your email filters spam, when Google Maps reroutes you, or when a streaming service recommends a film, AI is at work, and none of these require human intervention in the moment.

Related terms: Algorithm · Generative AI · Assistive AI · AI Model · Intelligence (concept)