Artificial Intelligence vs. Machine Learning: What’s the difference?

Artificial intelligence (AI) mimics human intelligence and falls under the field of computer science. In simple words, AI develops intelligent systems that has the power to simulate human intelligence. It is constituted of two words “Artificial” and “Intelligence” which is defined as “a human-made thinking power.”

The amazing thing about AI is that it requires no pre-programming, instead it is backed with algorithms that has the potential to use their own intelligence. Machine learning (ML) is a subset of the technology and hence offers algorithms like deep learning neural networks and Reinforcement learning algorithm. You enjoy intelligent features of AI by using it on a daily basis in the form of Siri, Google, and AlphaGo.

Although, the technology is in its nascent stage, it still is misunderstood by many. This has led to confusions centering around it and machine learning. Understanding AI as ‘just smart’ technology will be an understatement. The technology holds the supreme power of problem-solving, learning, and planning, analyzing data, and identifying patterns to imitate those manners.

On the other hand, ML falls under the umbrella term of artificial intelligence. It is a subset whereas AI is the overall subject of acting smart. ML processes data and learns facts which could be difficult for humans due to any reason. ML has the potency to think and act beyond human intelligence. It is best to leverage this technology for managing humongous sets of data rapidly with the help of algorithms which erratically change and get better over time. Let’s peek into the best example of it; Machine learning collects data on a manufacturing plant from its integrated machines and sensors on its network in bulk quantities which is today beyond human intelligence. Further, the technology derives patterns and identify anomalies, helping humans to look onto a problem which otherwise would have been overlooked. It gets humans with useful information that humans can’t manually. This is what ML is in easy language.

AI vs. ML: Key Differences