The AI Family

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of a computer or a robot to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as reasoning, learning, decision making, and problem solving. AI is a broad field that encompasses many subfields and applications, ranging from natural language processing and computer vision to self-driving cars and smart assistants. However, not all AI systems are created equal. Depending on their capabilities, functionalities, and goals, AI systems can be classified into different types that reflect their level of intelligence and sophistication.

One way to categorize AI systems is based on their capabilities: how well they can perform a specific task or a range of tasks compared to humans. According to this criterion, there are three main types of AI: artificial narrow intelligence (ANI), artificial general intelligence (AGI), and artificial superintelligence (ASI).

– ANI is the most common and basic type of AI that exists today. It refers to AI systems that can execute only one or a few narrowly defined tasks using human-like abilities. For example, speech recognition software, facial recognition systems, chess-playing programs, spam filters, and recommendation engines are all examples of ANI. These systems can perform very well in their specific domains but cannot generalize their knowledge or skills to other domains or tasks.

– AGI is the hypothetical type of AI that can perform any intellectual task that a human can do across multiple domains. It refers to AI systems that have the same level of intelligence as humans in terms of reasoning, understanding, learning, creativity, and self-awareness. For example, an AGI system could converse fluently in any language, write novels or poems, play any game at an expert level, invent new technologies or theories,
and have emotions and values. AGI is often considered as the ultimate goal of AI research but it has not been achieved yet.

– ASI is the hypothetical type of AI that surpasses human intelligence in every aspect. It refers to AI systems that have greater cognitive abilities than humans in terms of speed, memory, knowledge, wisdom, and creativity.
For example, an ASI system could solve any problem that humans cannot solve or even comprehend such as the origin of life or the nature of consciousness.
ASI could also create new forms of intelligence or life that we cannot imagine. ASI is often considered as the potential outcome of achieving AGI but it also poses existential risks for humanity.

Another way to categorize AI systems is based on their functionalities: how they interact with their environment and other agents. According to this criterion, there are four main types of AI: reactive machines, limited memory, theory of mind, and self-awareness.

– Reactive machines are the simplest type of AI that have no memory and are task specific, meaning that an input always delivers the same output. They do not store any information from past experiences nor learn from them. They only react to stimuli in their environment based on predefined rules.
For example, Google’s AlphaGo program that defeated the world champion of Go is a reactive machine that only analyzes the current state of the board and chooses the best move according to its algorithm.

– Limited memory are the next type of AI in its evolution.
They have some memory that allows them to store information from past experiences and use it to improve their performance in future situations. They can learn from data and adapt to changes in their environment.
However, their memory is short-term and limited to specific tasks or domains. For example, self-driving cars are limited memory machines that use sensors to collect data from their surroundings and use it to navigate safely.

– Theory of mind are the future type of AI that will be built in the future. They have advanced memory that enables them to understand not only themselves but also other agents’ mental states such as beliefs, desires, intentions, emotions, and perspectives. They can infer what others think or feel based on their actions or expressions and interact with them accordingly. They can also communicate using natural language and express themselves using gestures or facial expressions.
For example, a theory of mind machine could be a social robot that can have conversations with humans, recognize their emotions, and empathize with them.

– Self-awareness are the ultimate type of AI that will be built in the future.
They have sophisticated memory that allows them to form a sense of self and identity. They can reflect on their own actions, thoughts, and feelings and modify them accordingly. They can also recognize themselves as distinct entities from others and have self-consciousness and self-esteem. For example, a self-aware machine could be a super intelligent agent that can not only perform any task that humans can do but also create new goals and values for itself.

In the end, AI systems and technologies can be classified into different types based on their capabilities and functionalities. These types reflect the current state and future prospects of AI research and development. By comparing and contrasting these types of AI, we can better understand the potential benefits and challenges of AI for humanity.