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Artificial Intelligence vs. Machine Learning: What's the Difference?
A.I. and machine learning are not the same thing
By Ruben Circelli Ruben Circelli Editor University of Massachusetts, Boston Ruben Circelli has been a freelance technology writer and editor since 2014. His work has appeared on dozens of sites, including Komando.com, Twinfinite, and TheGamer. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on June 21, 2021 Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr Michael Heine is a CompTIA-certified writer, editor, and Network Engineer with 25+ years' experience working in the television, defense, ISP, telecommunications, and education industries. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Smart Home Your Best Year Ever: College Tech Tips Amazon Appliances & Lighting Google Artificial intelligence is a catch-all term used to describe many different types of virtual 'intelligence' of the style and kind found in humans. Machine learning is a type of artificial intelligence, but it's not the style and sort of A.I. we see on TV or in movies; Machine learning is the process used to create virtual intelligence. What Is Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is the measure of a computer's intellectual ability. But there isn't a scientific body that decides what is or is not, technically, artificial intelligence; the term is defined by whoever is using it. The Encyclopedia Britannica defines artificial intelligence as "the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings." In this sense, a computer that can make predictions is artificially intelligent. Britannica, however, goes on to note that the "term is frequently applied to the project of developing systems endowed with the intellectual processes characteristic of humans, such as the ability to reason, discover meaning, generalize, or learn from experience." In popular culture, we tend to see completely human-looking Androids that talk, think and feel just like we humans do. Androids, or robots, of this kind, are forms of artificial intelligence too, but they're much higher-level A.I. that would require lower-level A.I., like machine learning, to work. What Is Machine Learning
While artificial intelligence is a measure of a computer's intellectual ability, machine learning is a type of artificial intelligence used to build intellectual ability in computers. Investopedia defines machine learning as "the concept that a computer program can learn and adapt to new data without human intervention." An example you've likely used is when you search for specific photos in your phone's photo library. You can search for 'tree,' and pictures of trees will show up without you having said to the phone, "This is a tree." Machine learning is powered by hubs of interconnected computers or supercomputers processing massive quantities of data to train a program to give a particular output with a given input. Examples of Artificial Intelligence vs Machine Learning
In 2011, a new challenger. IBM's Watson supercomputer defeated two champions of the long-running Jeopardy game show. This room-sized machine could understand and answer the complicated, specific questions characteristic of the show better than the best players on the show at the time. Watson is an example of artificial intelligence. IBM offers a service called IBM Watson Machine Learning that allows third parties to use their technology to build, train, and test predictive software like Watson supercomputer uses. Watson needs to independently 'understand' and 'respond' to human writing and speech, which is an example of machine learning. Watson, the supercomputer, is artificial intelligence, while its ability to 'understand' language and respond using it is machine learning, much like a digital assistant like Alexa uses to talk to you. Artificial intelligence, as portrayed in the movies, is much more advanced than IBM's Watson. However, machine learning will be an essential component of higher-level A.I., like robots and androids, just as it's an integral component of Watson. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How AI Can Help Solve Climate Change What Is a Neural Network? What Is Artificial Intelligence What Is a Robot? What Is Microsoft Azure? Rise of the Home Robot The Four Types of Artificial Intelligence Nvidia GTC 2023: Dates, News, Rumors, and Everything Else to Know Mobile Technology: AI in Phones What Are Biometrics? Your Next Flight Might Be More On-Time Thanks to AI The 6 Best Fantasy Football Apps of 2022 The 10 Best Features of Google Pixel 3 What Are Autonomous Cars? 5 Ways AI Can Make Your Home Happy AI May Soon Be Able to Read Your Emotions Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies