What are the four types of AI?

In this article, we attempt to identify the four types of artificial intelligence (AI) and describe them in simple, comprehensible words.

Type 1: Reactive Machine

This type of AI is the most basic of all. It does not have the ability to remember or use experience gained in the past to dictate future actions and moves. Such intelligent machine types have been around for a while now. One example is IBM’s deep blue, the chess playing supercomputer that vanquished Garry Kasparov in the 1990’s, the world’s international grandmaster.

Type 2: Limited Memory

Type 2 artificial intelligent machines have a limited memory just like what its name states. It works on both, preprogrammed knowledge and past experiences. One great example of that is self-driving cars. Elon Musk’s Tesla is one of the best examples of efforts towards such machines. Uber’s investment and future strategy related to such technologies proves it’s wide adoption as well.







Type 3: Theory of Mind AI

This type of AI represents a branch of intelligence whereby the machine itself is capable of interpreting the world around it and form information that can be reproduced when needed based on the observations it made. However, this type has yet to be built. Such intelligent systems can understand emotions of people around them, and understand that these emotions affect their actions.

Type 4: Self-Awareness

The most sophisticated and advanced form of AI. Not only can machines interpret the world around them, but they also possess consciousness, feelings, and emotions. Thus, this type of intelligence is able to predict others’ feelings as well. Nevertheless, it might take a while before we see such intelligent systems come to life.

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