Types of AI Explained: From Narrow to Superintelligence and Everything In Between

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how businesses work these days. We see AI everywhere and in every industry. You can use it to automate tasks, make informed decisions, and improve customer experience. But AI solutions are not the same! There are different types of AI, each with unique features and uses. To gain the power of AI, you need to choose the right tech for your business. At STS Software, we help you explore the right AI solutions for your unique goals. Let’s explore your options right here!

Understanding AI Classification Systems

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to AI. Thus, experts use different AI classification systems. The most common ways to classify AI are by capability and by functionality. As you learn the types of artificial intelligence, you understand what AI can do and how this technology performs its tasks. You will also see which kind of AI fits different business needs. Dive into the categories of artificial intelligence now!

What Does AI Capability Mean?

AI capability refers to the classification of types of artificial intelligence based on their levels of artificial intelligence and ability to perform tasks like humans. It serves as an AI classification framework. Based on that, you understand how powerful each type of AI is.

In this category, you can expect solutions like narrow AI, general AI, and superintelligent AI. So, we will start with the simplest systems. Join us to explore each level of AI one by one!

AI Types Based on Capability Levels

There are three main levels of AI: weak, general, and superintelligent. As you can guess from the name, these AI types differ in their power. The weak option isn’t the worst one. Instead, each solution serves different business needs. Check out these types of AI technology to define the power levels it can have.

Narrow or Weak AI (ANI)

Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI) refers to task-specific types of AI. It can do one job really well. Yet, you can’t expect it to learn or think beyond that task. Among all types of artificial intelligence, narrow AI stands out as a fast and focused solution.

For example, ANI powers Siri so that it can understand voice commands. Netflix uses ANI, too, to suggest shows that users may like based on their online activities. These tools act smart, but their power is limited. They can’t solve new problems or learn outside their programming.

General AI (AGI)

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) refers to strong artificial intelligence types. It can think, learn, and solve problems just like humans. Strong AI also understands emotions, beliefs, and complex ideas. This level of AI doesn’t exist yet. Researchers are still working on it.

Among different types of AI, general AI attracts top tech businesses. Big names like OpenAI and Microsoftware have already invested in the future of general AI. Supercomputers like the K computer from Fujitsu are part of the race, too.

Superintelligent AI (ASI)

Superintelligent AI (ASI) is the most advanced of all AI categories. Yet, it’s just a theory. This type of AI can be smarter than any human in every way. It can think, reason, solve problems, and even feel emotions.

Among all types in AI, ASI raises the most ethical questions. Sounds like science fiction, right? While we are not there yet, some researchers are exploring the idea. Such AI categories may surpass human capabilities and research directions.

AI Types Based on Functionality

We can also identify different kinds of AI based on how it works and thinks. Functionality is part of the classification system for studying different forms of AI. By looking at how AI systems process information, you can easily notice some kinds of AI as follows:

Reactive Machine AI

Reactive AI is the most basic category of AI. These systems can only react to what’s happening now. They don’t have memory, so they can’t learn from past actions. The output is the same for the same input. Machine learning models act like reactive machines by using customer data. Then, they provide personalized recommendations based on that input.

Some types of AI examples in this category include IBM’s Deep Blue. This system can beat the chess champion by analyzing current moves. It doesn’t learn from the past. Instead, Deep Blue just calculated the best move based on what’s on the chessboard.

Another example is the recommendation engine. These engines do not remember past sessions. Instead, they process customer data in real time. Then, machine learning systems suggest similar or popular products based on that instant input.

Limited Memory AI

What are the types of AI that can learn from the past? Limited memory AI is a more advanced type of AI. Unlike reactive machines, it can assess past data and improve with experience. This AI works on large amounts of data. Hence, it is suitable for tasks like natural language processing, image recognition, and self-driving cars.

For example, self-driving cars have object detection features to help you watch other cars. Its AI system tracks speed, direction, and distance to make safe driving decisions. You can use it to determine when to change lanes. Interestingly, even as a different type of AI from reactive, this AI doesn’t remember the way humans do. It uses past and current data to make better choices. In tech like image recognition and image classification, limited memory machines can learn to distinguish objects in photos.

Theory of Mind AI

What types of AI are there that can understand emotions and thoughts? It must be the theory of mind AI. This technology is still in development, but it’s a big step toward emotional intelligence in machines. Such types of artificial intelligence can read a person’s mood and react accordingly. Then, it adjusts its behavior based on how someone feels, just like we do in real-world settings.

An example of the theory of mind AI is Kismet. The robot can show facial expressions. Sophia is another achievement of AI as a robot that can respond to emotions. These were just the beginning. When people fully develop this AI, it will support people in more personal ways.

Emotion AI often works with facial recognition to understand emotional states. Businesses also use it in chatbots. When a chatbot knows you are happy, it can change its suggestions.

Self-Aware AI

Self-aware AI has consciousness, like humans. It can understand emotions and is aware of its own thoughts and feelings. For example, these categories of AI would say, “I know that I’m thirsty.” It wouldn’t just react, but know why it acts like that.

Technologies like generative AI and deep learning show just how far machines have developed. These self-aware AI systems can create new content and improve over time.

Among the types of artificial intelligence classification, self-aware AI is the most advanced one. However, it doesn’t exist. Scientists are still trying to understand how the human brain works to develop this technology.

Practical Applications of Different AI Types in Business

AI is now widely used in real-life settings. For example:

• Autonomous Vehicles: AI helps cars see the world around them using image classification and detection. It processes data in real time to make your driving safer.
• AI Virtual Assistants: Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant use AI to understand what you say and respond with the right answer. These voice-activated assistants can perform tasks like playing music or forecasting the weather.
• Fraud Detection: AI monitors transactions and identifies unusual patterns. If something doesn’t seem right, it will send you notifications.
• Personalized Marketing Tools: AI helps you give your customers a personalized shopping experience.  You can use them to study shopping habits and search history. This smart targeting makes your advertisement more relevant.

Practical Applications of AI Types in Businesses

AI improves decision-making and increases efficiency in businesses. Here is how various types of AI technology make an impact:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) – Limited Memory AI: AI-powered tools like Salesforce Einstein analyze customer behaviors. Then, AI applications can send personalized messages. This way, you can improve customer engagement.
• Staff Upskilling – Limited Memory AI: Docebo can customize learning content using machine learning. Learners can tailor their materials based on their performance in real time.
• Market Research – Limited Memory AI: These areas of artificial intelligence help improve market research. For example, Crayon uses AI to scan competitor websites and industry updates. You can then highlight emerging trends and stay updated.
• Increased Productivity – Limited Memory AI: Chatbots remember previous conversations to improve workflow. Customer service staff can reply more efficiently then.
• Enhanced Security – Narrow AI: Many security systems use facial recognition. These systems accurately identify people in real time. This way, you can enhance access control in your business.
• Boosted Creativity – Limited Memory AI: AI systems like ChatGPT and LaMDA are good at writing like humans. You can use them to create different types of creative content.

Industry-Specific AI Solutions

What are the different types of AI, and how to use them? Each industry AI solution works differently. Let’s see which is best for your business:

• Healthcare – Narrow AI: Pfizer employs narrow AI to speed up drug discovery and predictive analysis. Natural language processing analyzes huge data sets to find potential treatments faster.
• Banking – Narrow AI: Banks can use different types of artificial intelligence systems. For example, Barclays utilizes AI to detect fraud. Narrow AI handles one job while learning from experience.
• Manufacturing – Narrow AI and Limited Theory AI: General Electric monitors equipment and suggests fixes based on past performance data. Plus, with predictive maintenance, you can spot issues early and fix them promptly.
• Retail – Limited Memory AI: Amazon offers product recommendation engines powered by AI. This platform tracks user behavior and improves over time to ensure personalization. Retail businesses can also rely on generative AI and machine learning to improve their systems over time.
• Technology – Narrow AI: Apple has added new AI features to help users generate messages and organize tasks.
• Education – Narrow AI: Duolingo customizes lessons and includes chatbots. The app focuses on personalized learning. Users can adjust their content to their own progress.
• Social Media – Reactive Machine AI: The AutoMod tool of Discord scans messages and reacts instantly based on moderation rules. This way, it can filter harmful spam and languages. It works based on the regulations set by the administrators. Moreover, AI allows for customer service automation, which increases customer satisfaction.

How to Choose the Right Type of AI for Your Business Needs?

After learning “what are the different types of AI,” it’s time to select the best one for your business. With so many options out there, you should consider the following factors to explore business AI solutions:

• Your Business Goals: What is your aim when employing AI? Do you want to automate tasks or personalize your customer journey? A clear goal helps you decide which types of AI fit best.
• Compatibility: Not every AI tool will work well with what you already have. Hence, check if it plays nicely with your current systems and software. When the tech fits in smoothly, you can reduce setup stress and get results faster.
• Scalability and Flexibility: The best AI solutions grow with your business. The AI type you choose should allow you to expand your team, add data, and change your workflow easily.
• Reliability: You can choose an AI expert to select AI types and build tailored AI solutions for your unique needs. Look for a company with good reviews and responsive support teams. A reliable team means less downtime. You can also work with AI-powered features effortlessly.
• Ethical and Regulatory Compliance: Make sure the AI solution follows local rules and privacy laws. You don’t want to deal with any punishment.

Choosing the right type of AI is critical, but with the right guidance, it’s easy to find a solution that fits your business needs. If you’re unsure about where to start, consider exploring AI Development Services offered by experienced professionals who can help you select the ideal AI solution and implement it seamlessly.

Why Choose STS Software as Your Partner for AI Development?

Choosing the right AI partner makes all the difference. STS Software offers everything you need for your AI project.

• Expertise in All Types of AI: STS Software works with major artificial intelligence types. We know which solution is best suited for your business and help you bring out the best in your project.
• Custom Software Development: Our custom services are tailored to your unique needs. We create AI tools to help you solve your business problems and maximize efficiency.
• Professional Services: We bring a higher level of professionalism to every project. You have us from planning to delivery. We also ensure clear communication and reliable timelines.
• Commitment to Long-term Partnerships: You are never alone. We offer ongoing support even after software launch. At STS Software, you can build a long-term partnership.

Artificial intelligence is changing the industry. There are different types of AI to explore. As you understand AI categories, you realize that each aims to serve various purposes. Choosing the right type helps you solve your problems faster. Then, you can stay ahead of the competition.

Ready to discover what AI can do for your business? Let the experts at STS Software guide you through your AI journey!