Artificial intelligence (AI) has made significant strides, surpassing human and animal cognitive abilities. Machines now possess perceptual, synthetic, and inferential capacities, enabling them to excel in tasks like speech recognition, visual interpretation, language translation, and data processing. AI is widely applied in areas such as search engines, recommendation systems, voice-activated assistants, autonomous vehicles, generative tools, automated decision-making systems, and strategic game systems. This progress has led to the reclassification of tasks previously considered AI, known as the AI effect. Despite experiencing cycles of optimism, disappointment, and reduced funding, the field of AI has been revitalized through innovative approaches, achievements, and increased funding. AI research explores diverse avenues, including brain simulation, problem-solving emulation, formal logic, extensive knowledge databases, and animal behavior imitation. Mathematical and statistical machine learning methods have particularly excelled in solving complex problems across industries and academia.

AI research includes sub-fields like reasoning, knowledge representation, planning, learning, natural language processing, perception, and object manipulation. The goal is to achieve general intelligence and solve any problem. Researchers employ various problem-solving techniques, including search algorithms, optimization, logic, neural networks, and statistical methods. AI draws insights from computer science, psychology, linguistics, philosophy, and other disciplines.

The belief that machines can replicate human intelligence forms the foundation of AI research. This idea has sparked deep philosophical debates about the mind and the ethical implications of creating human-like artificial entities. Throughout history, discussions on these topics have encompassed mythological, science fictional, and philosophical realms. Concerns have been raised about the potential existential risks posed by AI if not directed towards beneficial goals. Economists have also highlighted the possibility of job displacement caused by AI, emphasizing the need for robust social policies to ensure full employment. Additionally, the term “artificial intelligence” has been criticized for overemphasizing the actual technological capabilities of AI.