Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are two very hot buzzwords right now, and often seem to be used interchangeably.
They are not quite the same thing, but the perception that they are can sometimes lead to some confusion. So I thought it would be worth writing a piece to explain the difference.
Both terms crop up very frequently when the topic is Big Data, analytics, and the broader waves of technological change which are sweeping through our world.
In short, the best answer is that:
Artificial Intelligence is the broader concept of machines being able to carry out tasks in a way that we would consider smart.
And,
Machine Learning is a current application of AI based around the idea that we should really just be able to give machines access to data and let them learn for themselves.
Early Days
Artificial Intelligence has been around for a long time the Greek myths contain stories of mechanical men designed to mimic our own behavior. Very early European computers were conceived as logical machines and by reproducing capabilities such as basic arithmetic and memory, engineers saw their job, fundamentally, as attempting to create mechanical brains.
As technology, and, importantly, our understanding of how our minds work, has progressed, our concept of what constitutes AI has changed. Rather than increasingly complex calculations, work in the field of AI concentrated on mimicking human decision making processes and carrying out tasks in ever more human ways.
Artificial Intelligences devices designed to act intelligently are often classified into one of two fundamental groups applied or general. Applied AI is far more common systems designed to intelligently trade stocks and shares, or maneuver an autonomous vehicle would fall into this category.
Neural Networks - Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning (Source: Shutterstock)
Generalized AIs systems or devices which can in theory handle any task are less common, but this is where some of the most exciting advancements are happening today. It is also the area that has led to the development of Machine Learning. Often referred to as a subset of AI, its really more accurate to think of it as the current state-of-the-art.
The Rise of Machine Learning
Two important breakthroughs led to the emergence of Machine Learning as the vehicle which is driving AI development forward with the speed it currently has.
One of these was the realization credited to Arthur Samuel in 1959 that rather than teaching computers everything they need to know about the world and how to carry out tasks, it might be possible to teach them to learn for themselves.
The second, more recently, was the emergence of the internet, and the huge increase in the amount of digital information being generated, stored, and made available for analysis.
Once these innovations were in place, engineers realized that rather than teaching computers and machines how to do everything, it would be far more efficient to code them to think like human beings, and then plug them into the internet to give them access to all of the information in the world.
Neural Networks
The development of neural networks has been key to teaching computers to think and understand the world in the way we do, while retaining the innate advantages they hold over us such as speed, accuracy and lack of bias.
A Neural Network is a computer system designed to work by classifying information in the same way a human brain does. It can be taught to recognize, for example, images, and classify them according to elements they contain.
Essentially it works on a system of probability based on data fed to it, it is able to make statements, decisions or predictions with a degree of certainty. The addition of a feedback loop enables learning by sensing or being told whether its decisions are right or wrong, it modifies the approach it takes in the future.
Machine Learning applications can read text and work out whether the person who wrote it is making a complaint or offering congratulations. They can also listen to a piece of music, decide whether it is likely to make someone happy or sad, and find other pieces of music to match the mood. In some cases, they can even compose their own music expressing the same themes, or which they know is likely to be appreciated by the admirers of the original piece.
These are all possibilities offered by systems based around ML and neural networks. Thanks in no small part to science fiction, the idea has also emerged that we should be able to communicate and interact with electronic devices and digital information, as naturally as we would with another human being. To this end, another field of AI Natural Language Processing (NLP) has become a source of hugely exciting innovation in recent years, and one which is heavily reliant on ML.
NLP applications attempt to understand natural human communication, either written or spoken, and communicate in return with us using similar, natural language. ML is used here to help machines understand the vast nuances in human language, and to learn to respond in a way that a particular audience is likely to comprehend.
A Case Of Branding?
Artificial Intelligence and in particular today ML certainly has a lot to offer. With its promise of automating mundane tasks as well as offering creative insight, industries in every sector from banking to healthcare and manufacturing are reaping the benefits. So, its important to bear in mind that AI and ML are something else they are products which are being sold consistently, and lucratively.
Machine Learning has certainly been seized as an opportunity by marketers. After AI has been around for so long, its possible that it started to be seen as something thats in some way old hat even before its potential has ever truly been achieved. There have been a few false starts along the road to the AI revolution, and the term Machine Learning certainly gives marketers something new, shiny and, importantly, firmly grounded in the here-and-now, to offer.
The fact that we will eventually develop human-like AI has often been treated as something of an inevitability by technologists. Certainly, today we are closer than ever and we are moving towards that goal with increasing speed. Much of the exciting progress that we have seen in recent years is thanks to the fundamental changes in how we envisage AI working, which have been brought about by ML. I hope this piece has helped a few people understand the distinction between AI and ML. In another piece on this subject I go deeper literally as I explain the theories behind another trending buzzword Deep Learning.
Check out these links for more information on artificial intelligence and many practical AI case examples.
Read more:
What Is The Difference Between Artificial Intelligence And ...
- What Is Machine Learning? | How It Works, Techniques ... [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2019]
- Start Here with Machine Learning [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2019]
- What is Machine Learning? | Emerj [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- Microsoft Azure Machine Learning Studio [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- Machine Learning Basics | What Is Machine Learning? | Introduction To Machine Learning | Simplilearn [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- What is Machine Learning? A definition - Expert System [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2019]
- Machine Learning | Stanford Online [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2019]
- How to Learn Machine Learning, The Self-Starter Way [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2019]
- definition - What is machine learning? - Stack Overflow [Last Updated On: November 3rd, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2019]
- Artificial Intelligence vs. Machine Learning vs. Deep ... [Last Updated On: November 3rd, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2019]
- Machine Learning in R for beginners (article) - DataCamp [Last Updated On: November 3rd, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2019]
- Machine Learning | Udacity [Last Updated On: November 3rd, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2019]
- Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence | McAfee [Last Updated On: November 3rd, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2019]
- Machine Learning [Last Updated On: November 3rd, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2019]
- AI-based ML algorithms could increase detection of undiagnosed AF - Cardiac Rhythm News [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2019]
- The Cerebras CS-1 computes deep learning AI problems by being bigger, bigger, and bigger than any other chip - TechCrunch [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2019]
- Can the planet really afford the exorbitant power demands of machine learning? - The Guardian [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2019]
- New InfiniteIO Platform Reduces Latency and Accelerates Performance for Machine Learning, AI and Analytics - Business Wire [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2019]
- How to Use Machine Learning to Drive Real Value - eWeek [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2019]
- Machine Learning As A Service Market to Soar from End-use Industries and Push Revenues in the 2025 - Downey Magazine [Last Updated On: November 26th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2019]
- Rad AI Raises $4M to Automate Repetitive Tasks for Radiologists Through Machine Learning - - HIT Consultant [Last Updated On: November 26th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2019]
- Machine Learning Improves Performance of the Advanced Light Source - Machine Design [Last Updated On: November 26th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2019]
- Synthetic Data: The Diamonds of Machine Learning - TDWI [Last Updated On: November 26th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2019]
- The transformation of healthcare with AI and machine learning - ITProPortal [Last Updated On: November 26th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2019]
- Workday talks machine learning and the future of human capital management - ZDNet [Last Updated On: November 26th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2019]
- Machine Learning with R, Third Edition - Free Sample Chapters - Neowin [Last Updated On: November 26th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2019]
- Verification In The Era Of Autonomous Driving, Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning - SemiEngineering [Last Updated On: November 26th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2019]
- Podcast: How artificial intelligence, machine learning can help us realize the value of all that genetic data we're collecting - Genetic Literacy... [Last Updated On: November 28th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 28th, 2019]
- The Real Reason Your School Avoids Machine Learning - The Tech Edvocate [Last Updated On: November 28th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 28th, 2019]
- Siri, Tell Fido To Stop Barking: What's Machine Learning, And What's The Future Of It? - 90.5 WESA [Last Updated On: November 28th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 28th, 2019]
- Microsoft reveals how it caught mutating Monero mining malware with machine learning - The Next Web [Last Updated On: November 28th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 28th, 2019]
- The role of machine learning in IT service management - ITProPortal [Last Updated On: November 28th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 28th, 2019]
- Global Director of Tech Exploration Discusses Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at Anheuser-Busch InBev - Seton Hall University News &... [Last Updated On: November 28th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 28th, 2019]
- The 10 Hottest AI And Machine Learning Startups Of 2019 - CRN: The Biggest Tech News For Partners And The IT Channel [Last Updated On: November 28th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 28th, 2019]
- Startup jobs of the week: Marketing Communications Specialist, Oracle Architect, Machine Learning Scientist - BetaKit [Last Updated On: November 30th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 30th, 2019]
- Here's why machine learning is critical to success for banks of the future - Tech Wire Asia [Last Updated On: December 2nd, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 2nd, 2019]
- 3 questions to ask before investing in machine learning for pop health - Healthcare IT News [Last Updated On: December 8th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 8th, 2019]
- Machine Learning Answers: If Caterpillar Stock Drops 10% A Week, Whats The Chance Itll Recoup Its Losses In A Month? - Forbes [Last Updated On: December 8th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 8th, 2019]
- Measuring Employee Engagement with A.I. and Machine Learning - Dice Insights [Last Updated On: December 8th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 8th, 2019]
- Amazon Wants to Teach You Machine Learning Through Music? - Dice Insights [Last Updated On: December 8th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 8th, 2019]
- Machine Learning Answers: If Nvidia Stock Drops 10% A Week, Whats The Chance Itll Recoup Its Losses In A Month? - Forbes [Last Updated On: December 8th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 8th, 2019]
- AI and machine learning platforms will start to challenge conventional thinking - CRN.in [Last Updated On: December 23rd, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 23rd, 2019]
- Machine Learning Answers: If Twitter Stock Drops 10% A Week, Whats The Chance Itll Recoup Its Losses In A Month? - Forbes [Last Updated On: December 23rd, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 23rd, 2019]
- Machine Learning Answers: If Seagate Stock Drops 10% A Week, Whats The Chance Itll Recoup Its Losses In A Month? - Forbes [Last Updated On: December 23rd, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 23rd, 2019]
- Machine Learning Answers: If BlackBerry Stock Drops 10% A Week, Whats The Chance Itll Recoup Its Losses In A Month? - Forbes [Last Updated On: December 23rd, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 23rd, 2019]
- Amazon Releases A New Tool To Improve Machine Learning Processes - Forbes [Last Updated On: December 23rd, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 23rd, 2019]
- Another free web course to gain machine-learning skills (thanks, Finland), NIST probes 'racist' face-recog and more - The Register [Last Updated On: December 23rd, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 23rd, 2019]
- Kubernetes and containers are the perfect fit for machine learning - JAXenter [Last Updated On: December 23rd, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 23rd, 2019]
- TinyML as a Service and machine learning at the edge - Ericsson [Last Updated On: December 23rd, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 23rd, 2019]
- AI and machine learning products - Cloud AI | Google Cloud [Last Updated On: December 23rd, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 23rd, 2019]
- Machine Learning | Blog | Microsoft Azure [Last Updated On: December 23rd, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 23rd, 2019]
- Machine Learning in 2019 Was About Balancing Privacy and Progress - ITPro Today [Last Updated On: December 25th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 25th, 2019]
- CMSWire's Top 10 AI and Machine Learning Articles of 2019 - CMSWire [Last Updated On: December 25th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 25th, 2019]
- Here's why digital marketing is as lucrative a career as data science and machine learning - Business Insider India [Last Updated On: January 13th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 13th, 2020]
- Dell's Latitude 9510 shakes up corporate laptops with 5G, machine learning, and thin bezels - PCWorld [Last Updated On: January 13th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 13th, 2020]
- Finally, a good use for AI: Machine-learning tool guesstimates how well your code will run on a CPU core - The Register [Last Updated On: January 13th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 13th, 2020]
- Cloud as the enabler of AI's competitive advantage - Finextra [Last Updated On: January 13th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 13th, 2020]
- Forget Machine Learning, Constraint Solvers are What the Enterprise Needs - - RTInsights [Last Updated On: January 13th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 13th, 2020]
- Informed decisions through machine learning will keep it afloat & going - Sea News [Last Updated On: January 13th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 13th, 2020]
- The Problem with Hiring Algorithms - Machine Learning Times - machine learning & data science news - The Predictive Analytics Times [Last Updated On: January 13th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 13th, 2020]
- New Program Supports Machine Learning in the Chemical Sciences and Engineering - Newswise [Last Updated On: January 13th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 13th, 2020]
- AI-System Flags the Under-Vaccinated in Israel - PrecisionVaccinations [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2020]
- New Contest: Train All The Things - Hackaday [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2020]
- AFTAs 2019: Best New Technology Introduced Over the Last 12 MonthsAI, Machine Learning and AnalyticsActiveViam - www.waterstechnology.com [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2020]
- Educate Yourself on Machine Learning at this Las Vegas Event - Small Business Trends [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2020]
- Seton Hall Announces New Courses in Text Mining and Machine Learning - Seton Hall University News & Events [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2020]
- Looking at the most significant benefits of machine learning for software testing - The Burn-In [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2020]
- Leveraging AI and Machine Learning to Advance Interoperability in Healthcare - - HIT Consultant [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2020]
- Adventures With Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning - Toolbox [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2020]
- Five Reasons to Go to Machine Learning Week 2020 - Machine Learning Times - machine learning & data science news - The Predictive Analytics Times [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2020]
- Uncover the Possibilities of AI and Machine Learning With This Bundle - Interesting Engineering [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2020]
- Learning that Targets Millennial and Generation Z - HR Exchange Network [Last Updated On: January 23rd, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 23rd, 2020]
- Red Hat Survey Shows Hybrid Cloud, AI and Machine Learning are the Focus of Enterprises - Computer Business Review [Last Updated On: January 23rd, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 23rd, 2020]
- Vectorspace AI Datasets are Now Available to Power Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Systems in Collaboration with Elastic -... [Last Updated On: January 23rd, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 23rd, 2020]
- What is Machine Learning? | Types of Machine Learning ... [Last Updated On: January 23rd, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 23rd, 2020]
- How Machine Learning Will Lead to Better Maps - Popular Mechanics [Last Updated On: January 30th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 30th, 2020]
- Jenkins Creator Launches Startup To Speed Software Testing with Machine Learning -- ADTmag - ADT Magazine [Last Updated On: January 30th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 30th, 2020]
- An Open Source Alternative to AWS SageMaker - Datanami [Last Updated On: January 30th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 30th, 2020]
- Machine Learning Could Aid Diagnosis of Barrett's Esophagus, Avoid Invasive Testing - Medical Bag [Last Updated On: January 30th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 30th, 2020]
- OReilly and Formulatedby Unveil the Smart Cities & Mobility Ecosystems Conference - Yahoo Finance [Last Updated On: January 30th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 30th, 2020]