(a) What is Artificial Intelligence?
Discuss the problems contained within Artificial
Intelligence.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the branch of computer science focused on creating systems capable of
performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. These tasks include learning, reasoning,
problem-solving, perception, language understanding, and decision-making. AI aims to simulate
human cognitive functions through machines to automate and enhance various aspects of life and
industry.
Key problems in AI include:
1. Natural Language Processing: Understanding and generating human language is complex due to
the ambiguity, context, and variety in languages.
2. Knowledge Representation: Effectively capturing information about the world and structuring it so
a computer can use it for reasoning and decision-making is challenging.
3. Automated Reasoning: Developing systems that can make logical inferences based on the
information they have is difficult due to the complexity of logic and uncertain knowledge.
4. Machine Learning: Enabling machines to learn from data without being explicitly programmed is
hard due to the variability and volume of data.
5. Perception: Recognizing images, speech, and interpreting sensory data like humans is still an
unsolved problem in many scenarios.
6. Planning and Decision Making: AI must evaluate multiple potential outcomes and make optimal
decisions in dynamic environments.
7. Robotics: Designing robots that interact with the physical world, especially in unpredictable
environments, requires advanced sensing and control.
8. Ethics and Bias: Ensuring AI systems are fair, ethical, and do not reinforce existing biases is an
ongoing concern.
Solving these problems requires interdisciplinary knowledge from computer science, mathematics,
linguistics, psychology, neuroscience, and more.
(b) List the different task domains of Artificial Intelligence.
AI task domains represent areas where intelligent behavior is required. These include:
1. Problem Solving: AI systems solve complex problems using search algorithms and optimization
techniques.
2. Natural Language Processing (NLP): Machines understand, interpret, and generate human
language for translation, sentiment analysis, and chatbots.
3. Knowledge Representation and Reasoning: Storing knowledge in a form that a computer system
can utilize to solve complex tasks.
4. Perception: Systems that interpret sensory input such as vision, sound, and touch to interact with
the environment.
5. Robotics: Integration of AI with mechanical systems to perform tasks like navigation, object
manipulation, and autonomous movement.
6. Planning and Scheduling: Determining sequences of actions that lead to desired goals.
7. Machine Learning: Systems that learn from data to make predictions or decisions without being
explicitly programmed.
8. Expert Systems: Programs that emulate the decision-making ability of human experts.
9. Vision: Processing and analyzing visual data to identify objects, track motion, or understand
scenes.
10. Gaming: AI is used for creating intelligent opponents and adaptive gameplay in video games.
Each domain focuses on replicating a specific aspect of human intelligence and is often
interconnected with others for building comprehensive AI systems.
