The world of artificial intelligence is one that faces constant evolution. Continued technological advances allow for improvements to existing AI and lay the groundwork for new forms of AI to emerge. From more common forms like generative AI (e.g. ChatGPT, Gemini) and chatbots (e.g. Siri, Alexa) to types of AI that only exist in theory (e.g. Super AI, and Self-Aware AI), these various types of AI differ in their uses, limitations, and practical applications.
In most cases, AI can be categorized into two main groups: AI based on capabilities and AI based on functionalities
AI based on capabilities
- Artificial Narrow AI or Weak AI
- Designed to complete narrow tasks quickly
- General AI or Strong AI (Only exists in theory)
- Would learn from previous experiences and apply that in new contexts without having to be trained by human interference
- Super AI (Only exists in theory)
- Would be able to think, reason, and learn better than humans
AI based on functionalities
- Reactive Machine AI
- Performs specific tasks with only present data
- Limited Memory AI
- Performs specific tasks with data from within a given timeframe
- Theory of Mind AI (Only exists in theory)
- Would be able to understand the thoughts and emotions of those with which it interacts
- Self-Aware AI
- Would be able to understand thoughts and emotions of those with which it interacts as well as its own conditions (IBM, 2024)
