Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence

(4350705)

Juhi Kaneria

Lecturer, Computer Engineering,

R. C. Technical Institute, Ahmedabad

Course Introduction
• This course aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and contribute to the rapidly evolving landscape of ar
• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
• AI Explained in 60 Seconds
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines
that are programmed to think like humans and mimic their actions. It encompasses
a broad range of capabilities, including learning, problem-solving, perception, and
understanding language. The field aims to create intelligent agents that perceive
their environment and take actions that maximize their chances of achieving defined
goals.
The core objective of AI is to enable machines to perform tasks that typically require
human cognitive abilities. This involves developing systems that can reason,
discover meaning, generalize, or learn from past experiences, making decisions and
predictions with increasing autonomy. AI systems are designed to adapt and improve
over time based on the data they process.
AI is an interdisciplinary field, drawing from computer science, psychology,
philosophy, linguistics, and more. Its applications are vast and transformative,
ranging from advanced analytics, automation, and complex decision-making in
various industries to groundbreaking advancements in scientific research and
everyday technologies.
The AI Problem and Underlying
Assumption
AI tackles the challenge of creating systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human
intelligence: reasoning, learning, perception, and natural language understanding. The AI problem
can be seen as designing machines capable of exhibiting thought processes like problem-solving and
decision-making autonomously.
A central underlying assumption in AI is that "intelligent behavior can be simulated by machines."
This idea implies that cognitive functions are mechanizable and that careful representation and
algorithmic manipulation of knowledge can mimic elements of human intelligence.
This assumption also acknowledges that intelligence is not confined to biological minds but can be
realized through computational processes. Consequently, AI researchers focus on formalizing
knowledge, developing algorithms, and building systems capable of adapting and learning from data.
Key AI Techniques
Search and Optimization
Exploring possible solutions to find the best or
nearly best answers. This uses methods like step-by-
step search or genetic algorithms.

Knowledge Representation & Reasoning

Ways to teach machines facts, rules, and
connections so they can learn new things. This
involves using semantic networks or logic.

Machine Learning
Machines learn from data to find patterns and build
models. This includes learning with examples,
without examples, or through trial and error.
Key AI Techniques
Natural Language Processing
Methods for computers to understand and use
human language. This allows them to talk to us,
understand what we say, and process text.

Computer Vision
Enabling machines to interpret and understand
visual information from the world. This involves
tasks like image recognition, object detection, and
facial recognition.

Robotics
Focuses on the design, construction, operation, and
use of robots. It combines AI with engineering to
create machines that perform tasks autonomously
in physical environments.
Levels of AI Models
AI models can be conceptualized at three hierarchical levels that define their approach and capabilities.
This framework helps in understanding how complex AI systems are designed, from abstract goals to concrete
execution:
1Computational Level 2 Algorithmic Level 3Implementation Level
This is the highest level of At this intermediate level, the focus This is the lowest and most concrete
abstraction, defining *what* the AI shifts to *how* the computational level, detailing the physical
system needs to accomplish and objectives will be achieved. It realization of the AI system. It
*why*. It focuses on the problem specifies the methods, addresses *how* the algorithms are
definition, the goals, and the desired representations, and algorithms the executed on specific hardware and
outcomes, independent of how they system employs to process software platforms. This involves
will be achieved. For instance, in a information and make decisions. aspects like programming languages
self-driving car, the computational This includes choosing appropriate (Python, C++), software frameworks
level defines the goal of safely data structures, algorithms for (TensorFlow, PyTorch), specific
navigating from point A to point B search (like A* or Breadth-First hardware (CPUs, GPUs, TPUs), and
It identifies the core problem to be In the self-driving car scenario, the
while adhering to traffic laws. Search), reasoning mechanisms system architecture.
solved, such as pattern recognition, implementation level deals with
(such as logical inference or
decision-making under uncertainty, coding the chosen algorithms,
probabilistic
For reasoning),
the self-driving car example, and
this
or natural language understanding, optimizing them for real-time
learning
level involves paradigms (e.g.,
selecting algorithms
and establishes the criteria for performance on embedded systems,
supervised,
for object unsupervised,
detection or
(e.g.,
success. and integrating them with the
reinforcement learning).
convolutional neural networks), path
vehicle's sensors and actuators.
planning, and control systems.
Understanding these levels clarifies the abstraction at which AI works — from theoretical problem definitions and
strategic solutions to actual deployed systems that interact with the real world.
Criteria for AI Success
Evaluating AI systems requires defining clear measures of success. Common criteria include:

Performance Accuracy:
This criterion measures how effectively the AI system completes its intended tasks. It's often compared against human-
level performance on similar tasks or established baseline benchmarks. High accuracy is crucial for AI applications where
precision and correctness are paramount, such as in medical diagnosis, facial recognition, or financial trading.
Learning Capability:
A key differentiator for modern AI, learning capability refers to the system's ability to improve its performance over time
through experience. This involves adapting to new inputs, environments, and data patterns without explicit reprogramming.
This is particularly vital in dynamic fields like self-driving cars, personalized recommendations, or game playing, where the
environment
Robustness is constantly evolving.
and Reliability:
This assesses the AI's consistency and stability, particularly when exposed to varied, noisy, or uncertain conditions. A
robust AI system should not degrade significantly in performance when encountering unexpected data or minor
perturbations. Reliability ensures that the system delivers consistent results under normal operating conditions, building
trust and ensuring dependable operation in critical applications.
Efficiency:
Efficiency measures the computational and resource cost-effectiveness of the AI processes. This includes evaluating the
speed at which the AI can process information and make decisions, as well as its scalability to handle larger datasets or
increased workloads. Optimized efficiency is crucial for real-time applications and for deploying AI solutions on resource-
constrained devices, minimizing energy consumption and operational costs.
Interpretability:
Also known as explainability, this criterion refers to the degree to which an AI's decision-making process can be understood
and trusted by humans. As AI systems become more complex, especially with deep learning models, understanding "why" a
particular decision was made is critical for debugging, ensuring fairness, and gaining user acceptance, particularly in
sensitive
Balancing domains
these criteria like law,
depends onfinance, and healthcare.
the application domain and the specific AI goals pursued.
Applications of Artificial Intelligence
Healthcare
AI assists in early disease detection through advanced diagnostic imaging analysis (e.g., identifying subtle anomalies in X-
rays, MRIs, and CT scans), personalizing treatment plans based on patient genetic profiles and medical history, accelerating
drug discovery by simulating molecular interactions and predicting compound efficacy, and enhancing precision in robotic
surgeries
Autonomousfor minimally invasive procedures.
Systems
Self-driving vehicles navigate complex urban environments using real-time sensor data fusion and predictive algorithms,
drones perform automated aerial inspections with precise real-time obstacle avoidance, and industrial robots execute highly
precise and repetitive tasks in manufacturing and logistics, all relying on AI for advanced perception, navigation, and
adaptive
Naturaldecision-making capabilities.
Language Processing
Building upon its core ability to understand and generate human language, AI powers sophisticated chatbots for 24/7
customer support, provides real-time language translation for seamless global communication across various media,
performs sentiment analysis on vast datasets for market insights and public opinion tracking, and enables intelligent text
summarization
Finance for efficient information processing from documents and web content.
In finance, AI revolutionizes fraud detection by identifying suspicious patterns in transactions, automates algorithmic trading
strategies by analyzing vast market data and executing trades at optimal times, enhances credit scoring models by
evaluating a broader range of applicant data, and provides personalized financial advice through intelligent robo-advisors
that tailor investment strategies to individual risk profiles and goals.
Cybersecurity
AI plays a critical role in modern cybersecurity by proactively identifying and mitigating emerging threats through anomaly
detection in network traffic, automating incident response by isolating affected systems and deploying countermeasures,
enhancing threat intelligence by analyzing global attack data, and securing endpoints by predicting and preventing malware
infections with advanced behavioral analysis.
More AI Applications: Industry and Beyond
Manufacturing
AI-driven quality control, such as automated visual inspection systems, and predictive
maintenance, which anticipates equipment failures before they occur, significantly increase
efficiency. Furthermore, AI optimizes complex supply chain logistics, reducing operational costs
and improving delivery times across the entire production cycle.
Education
Intelligent tutoring systems leverage AI to adapt learning content and pace to individual
student learning styles and needs. They provide personalized feedback on assignments and
quizzes, and automate grading tasks, freeing up educators to focus on more complex
pedagogical
Retail andchallenges
E-commerceand one-on-one student support.
AI enhances the customer experience through highly personalized product recommendations
based on browsing history and purchase patterns. It also improves operational efficiency
through accurate demand forecasting, optimized inventory management, and robust fraud
prevention systems that detect suspicious transactions in real-time, safeguarding both
businesses and consumers.
Agriculture
AI enables precision farming practices by analyzing data from sensors, drones, and satellites to
monitor soil health, nutrient levels, and crop growth. It facilitates accurate crop yield
prediction, early disease detection, and automated irrigation systems, optimizing resource use,
minimizing waste, and maximizing harvests for sustainable food production.
Environmental Monitoring
AI plays a crucial role in analyzing vast amounts of climate data to predict weather patterns
and long-term climate changes. It helps in predicting natural disasters like floods and wildfires,
monitors pollution levels in air and water, and aids in crucial wildlife conservation efforts by
tracking endangered species and combating poaching, all supporting more effective and
sustainable environmental practices.
Summary and Takeaways
This unit has outlined the foundational concepts of Artificial
Intelligence. The AI problem is framed around creating systems
that simulate human intelligence, based on the assumption that
cognition can be mechanized. Various AI techniques—search,
knowledge representation, machine learning, and NLP—offer
diverse approaches to tackle intelligent behavior. AI operates
across conceptual levels: computational, algorithmic, and
Criteria like accuracy,
implementation, adaptability,
each critical and interpretability
to building define
functional intelligent
success,
systems. shaping AI development and deployment. The
applications of AI span healthcare, autonomous systems,
industry, and education, demonstrating AI’s broad societal
Understanding these principles
impact and transformative potential.equips students with the
perspective needed to delve deeper into AI research and
application, preparing them for advanced study and innovation in
this dynamic field.