Expert systems
Computer application that makes decisions in real-life situations
that would otherwise be performed by a human expert.
Neural networks
Systems that simulate intelligence by reproducing the types of
physical connections found in animal or even human brains.
Because of the current technology limitations, the number of
these connections is small (in terms of billions of connections
found in human brain), but still capable of reproducing some very
interesting behaviour in a number of disciplines such as voice or
optical-character recognition and natural-language processing.
Fuzzy logic
Type of logic that recognizes more than simple true and false
values. It represents a departure from classical two-valued sets
and logic, that uses "soft" linguistic (e.g. large,
small, hot, cold, warm) system variables and a continuous range
of truth values in the interval [0,1], rather than strict binary
(True or False) decisions and assignments.
Natural language
understanding
Programming computers to understand and interact with users in
natural languages like English. Related to the voice (speech)
recognition which converts spoken dialogue to the
computer-readable text, but without understanding the real
meaning of that text.
Computer games
Development of computer games is a fast-growing, multi-billion
business. "AI inside" feature is very desirable because
it ensures increased profit and user satisfaction. It is also
known that the best computer chess programs are now capable of
beating humans. Some two years ago, the world chess champion Gary
Kasparov was defeated by an IBM super-computer called Deep Blue.
Agents
A computational entity which acts on behalf of other (most often
human) entities in an autonomous fashion, performs its actions
with some level of proactivity and/or reactiveness and exhibits
some level of the key attributes of learning, co-operation and
mobility. Imagine having your own "smart" agent that
could watch new articles on the Usenet, and deliver only the most
interesting ones (according to your preferences), instead of
having to browse through thousands of new messages each day.
Robotics
Programming computers to see, hear and react to sensory stimuli.
Probably the most attractive field of AI for newcomers. One
definition says that Artificial Intelligence is the simulation of
human intelligence processes by machines.
The relatively new field of Artificial Life takes a different approach in attempt to study and understand biological life by synthesizing artificial life forms. To paraphrase Chris Langton, the founder of the field, the goal of Artificial Life is to "model life as it could be so as to understand life as we know it". Artificial Life is a very broad discipline which spans such diverse topics as artificial evolution, artificial ecosystems, genetic algorithms (search procedures that use the mechanics of natural selection and natural genetics) and many more.