Artificially intelligent: A brief glossary of the ideas behind AI - CNET

algorithm A formula or step-by-step process for a specific task. Think of it as a mathematical recipe or flow chart ("If x = 1, then...")

artificial intelligence The branch of computer science addressing simulated intelligence in machines. John McCarthy, the man who coined the term six decades ago, defined it as "the science and engineering of making intelligent machines, especially intelligent computer programs."

deep leaing The area of machine leaing (see below) designed to recognize relationships in data. It tries to do in software what we do with our brains.

machine leaing The aspect of AI that allows computers to lea tasks or to recognize new pattes on their own, without being explicitly programmed to do so. That is, it's a form of adaptation and an essential ingredient in cooking up true intelligence.

natural language processing The ability of a computer to understand and use human speech as it is spoken. Natural language processing is a key element of AI that's built off machine leaing. If realized, it could even eliminate the need for programming languages.

neural network A form of information processing that uses multiple nodes -- anything connected to a network -- to emulate the biology of the brain. Neural networks use inputs from the nodes to tackle problems from multiple angles and make inferences from observations, rather than following a set of instructions. The technology is used in tasks such as handwriting recognition, in which common symbols aren't all rendered alike.

robot Software that simulates a human activity, such as a comparison-shopping program. Often shortened to "bot." The robots you may be thinking of -- clanky, wheezy hardware that walks like a dog, or the bright, shiny C-3PO -- involve a lot of mechanical capabilities that are separate from artificial intelligence.