Different types of AI: Super, narrow, & general
Many people assume that AI refers to a machine intelligent enough to perform any intellectual task as well as, or better than, a human.
In reality, we are not yet at this point.
The concept and evolution of AI can actually be viewed as encompassing a wide spectrum of technologies, potentially ranging from simple automation and robotic process automation, through to narrow/weak AI (ANI), super AI (ASI), and general AI.
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Narrow AI (ANI)
Artificial narrow intelligence – or simply narrow AI – refers to AI technologies that are goal-oriented and designed to perform a specific task or solve a particular problem, often faster and better than a human.
Because they demonstrate a degree of intelligence or capability in a narrow field but have no competency outside it, these systems are sometimes referred to as “weak” AI.
There are different categories of narrow AI, including reactive machine AI, which has no memory, limited memory AI, and long-term memory AI.
Narrow AI systems are adept at handling specific tasks but lack the broader contextual awareness to function beyond their defined domains.
Super AI (ASI)
Artificial superintelligence – or simply super AI or ASI – refers to a hypothetical form of AI that not only mimics human intelligence and behaviors but exceeds this in all aspects, including academically, creatively, emotionally, and socially.
ASI remains a speculative and highly theoretical concept, but is often discussed in terms of its ethical and societal implications. Some view it as dystopian and even dangerous, as ASI would theoretically be better at everything we do – not just math, science, and other academic subjects but also sport, art, medicine, hobbies, and so on.
A major concern is that ASI could become self-aware, giving it the ability to understand its own traits and conditions. As well as understanding human emotions and thoughts, a self-aware ASI would also have its own emotions, beliefs, and needs. This could potentially lead to unforeseen and grave consequences, with even existential risks for humans.
General AI (AGI)
Artificial general intelligence – or simply general AI or AGI – represents a theoretical future where AI systems can understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a broad range of tasks rather than being limited to a specific task. An AGI would thus have cognitive abilities across a spectrum of tasks, similar to a human’s versatile capabilities. As such, these systems are sometimes referred to as “strong” AI.
It is important to note that current GenAI tools, despite their impressive capabilities, are not AGI. The simple fact is that a machine that can think, learn, act, and communicate like a human does not yet exist.
While tools like ChatGPT and others can produce content that feels intuitive and humanlike, they operate within the confines of their training data and lack the broader understanding or awareness that would characterize AGI. Their operations are confined to patterns and associations learned from large datasets. They do not possess consciousness, self-awareness, or genuine understanding.
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