Based on Capabilities
This classification focuses on how intelligent and capable the AI is compared to humans.
1. Narrow AI (Weak AI)
AI designed for a specific task.
- Siri, Alexa (voice assistants)
- Google Maps (navigation)
- ChatGPT (language generation)
Cannot generalize knowledge beyond its trained task.
2. General AI (Strong AI)
Hypothetical AI that can perform any intellectual task a human can.
Does not yet exist.
Reason, learn, and apply knowledge across domains autonomously.
3. Super AI
A future AI that surpasses human intelligence in all aspects.
Creative thinking, emotional intelligence, decision-making better than humans.
Purely theoretical as of now.
Based on Functional Types
This classification looks at how the AI functions and behaves.
1. Reactive Machines
Responds to specific inputs with programmed rules. No memory or learning.
IBM's Deep Blue chess-playing computer.
2. Limited Memory
Can use past data to make decisions but has short-term memory.
Self-driving cars, chatbots, recommendation systems.
3. Theory of Mind (In development)
Would understand human emotions, beliefs, and intentions.
Interact socially with humans.
4. Self-aware AI (Theoretical)
Possesses consciousness and self-awareness.
A future concept. Not yet developed.
Based on Technologies/Approaches
This classification looks at the technical methods used to create AI.
1. Machine Learning (ML)
AI that learns patterns from data.
- Supervised Learning: Trained on labeled data (e.g., spam filters).
- Unsupervised Learning: Finds patterns in unlabeled data (e.g., clustering).
- Reinforcement Learning: Learns by reward and punishment (e.g., game-playing AIs like AlphaGo).
2. Deep Learning
Subset of ML using artificial neural networks (like the human brain).
Image recognition, speech-to-text, language models like GPT.
3. Natural Language Processing (NLP)
AI that understands and generates human language.
ChatGPT, Google Translate, sentiment analysis tools.
4. Computer Vision
AI that interprets visual information from the world.
Facial recognition, object detection, autonomous vehicles.
5. Expert Systems
Rule-based systems that emulate decision-making of human experts.
Medical diagnosis systems.
6. Robotics
Integration of AI with physical machines.
Industrial robots, surgical robots, household robots.
Specialized AI Types (By Domain)
1. Conversational AI
Interact via voice or text.
ChatGPT, Alexa, customer support bots.
2. Generative AI
Create new content (text, images, music, video).
DALL·E (images), ChatGPT (text), Sora (video), MusicLM (music).
3. Cognitive Computing
Simulate human thought processes.
Healthcare, legal analysis, decision support.
4. Autonomous Systems
Operate independently in the real world.
Drones, self-driving cars, delivery robots.