To demystify and simplify the basic concepts of Artificial Intelligence (AI). it is helpful to think of AI as having three levels: Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI), Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), or Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI). What are the differences, and perhaps more importantly what are the implications?
Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI)
The first layer in the hierarchy of artificial intelligence is ANI, also referred to as ‘Weak AI’. To be precise, ANI is specialized AI that is designed to perform a single, narrow task like recommendation engines used by Netflix to suggest your next watch or voice-controlled virtual assistants like Amazon's Alexa. Although ANI might seem simplistic considering its singular functionality, don't underestimate its significance in the AI world. It is the backbone of numerous technologies that foster our convenience and enhance efficiency in daily tasks.
Make no mistake: ANI does not possess an understanding or consciousness of the task it does. It is simply guided by its programming to complete the task on hand.
Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)
The second tier of AI is AGI, also referred to as ‘Strong AI’ or sometimes 'Human-Level AI’. AGI is a more advanced version of AI that possesses the cognitive-like capabilities of a human being. AGI, then, can understand, learn, adapt, and implement knowledge across a wide array of tasks, just like a human can.
Where ANI has the intelligence quotient, it possesses both the intelligence and the emotional quotient that makes it proficient in understanding, emotional sensitivity, creativity, and general wisdom. Though it's currently a concept in developmental stages, AGI is the holy grail for AI researchers.
Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI)
The most sophisticated layer of AI is ASI, which refers to a type of intelligence that dramatically surpasses human intelligence in practically every aspect. It includes scientific creativity, general wisdom, and social skills.
In theory, ASI could excel at everything, better than the best human brains in practically every field, including scientific creativity, general wisdom, and social skills. An ASI system could potentially autonomously build, enhance, or replicate its own architecture. There’s a notion that can make any sci-fi fan sweat with excitement, or dread!
Conclusion
Cracking the lingo of AI, from ANI, AGI, to ASI, you can see that artificial intelligence is not just a one-size-fits-all term. Instead, think of AI as a broad field that encompasses varying degrees of complexity and capabilities. While we enjoy numerous benefits of ANI in our everyday life, we're simultaneously intrigued and compelled by the future potential of AGI and ASI. As the dynamic field of AI continues to evolve, brace yourself for breakthroughs that could literally reshape the world as we know it.