What exactly is artificial intelligence?

Saying that artificial intelligence (AI) has been with us for years would be no lie. And we’re not just referring to the time ChatGPT has been available to the general public. Siri or Alexa are also AI, and even that video game character you loved as a kid (or heard about) is, technically, artificial intelligence. But if we take a look at more specialized fields, we’ll find that AI, in fact, has been developing and used for years. For example, in probability.

What we’re seeing now is simply a “boom” in its technology and investment, which has taken it from niche sectors or minor applications to entire areas. It’s similar to what happened with computers back in the 90s.

We’ve moved from a simple machine playing chess in 1914 to using AI daily for all sorts of queries, and more is yet to come. Now we dream of androids, while in the past, people dreamt of what we have today. And all thanks to this evolution, that’s still changing.

3 Types of AI based on their capabilities

Every AI system is unique. The AI used in medicine is not the same as the one used for data analysis. There are many branches: generative AI, deep learning, multimodal models, and so on. But broadly speaking, all of them fall into one of three main categories:

Narrow AI (Artificial Narrow Intelligence, ANI)

These are models designed for specific tasks. They can mimic human language and solve particular problems, but only within limited contexts. Common examples include personal assistants, facial recognition systems, or the autonomous driving features in some vehicles.

General AI (Artificial General Intelligence, AGI)

Currently, no such model exists, but it aims to be similar to human intelligence, with the ability to adapt to new situations and reason autonomously. Today’s AI systems might give responses that appear intelligent, but they rely on language-based predictions, not true understanding.

Super AI (Artificial Superintelligence, ASI)

It’s still a theoretical concept referring to an intelligence that surpasses human capabilities in all respects. In theory, it could solve problems beyond human reach.

A new technological revolution

Although it’s not officially recognised as fourth industrial revolution, this concept is already well-established in the collective imagination due to AI improvements and significant impacts on businesses. We are driving into a new digital transformation that demands professionals capable of understanding and applying emerging technologies.

In this context, programs like our MSc Digital Transformation & Business Innovation are essential. This program, which focuses on the analysis and understanding of new digital values and technologies, becomes a key tool both for companies and for young people seeking to stand out in a constantly evolving job market.

But it’s not only in the IT field that new experts are needed. The marketing field and digital analytics have been using AI for so long to automate repetitive tasks and assist in campaign creation. In that case, our MSc Digital Marketing & Analytics fits perfectly here as well, allowing students to learn how to apply these tools in a practical, real-world way, providing great value to businesses.

Although a new industrial revolution has not yet formally begun, we are undoubtedly approaching one. And contrary to what is often said, AI will not eliminate jobs; those who know how to use it will. That’s why programs like ours make more sense than ever for tomorrow’s leaders.