# 2. What is AI?

Literally, AI stands for Artificial Intelligence. Don’t think of futuristic robots or science fiction, but rather of technology that performs everyday tasks that would normally require human intelligence. Netflix recommendations, spam filters, or route planning—these are examples of classic AI.

AI systems analyse data, recognise patterns, and make predictions or decisions. Within AI, there are various subfields, such as machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. Generative AI—like ChatGPT—is a recent and notable form, because it not only recognises patterns but can also create new content. This e-learning focuses on generative AI (GenAI).

In the remainder of this chapter, concepts related to AI will be explained in more detail.

Watch the video below in which Lieven Scheire explains where things can go wrong when training AI. This example helps to understand how AI works at a fundamental level.

(The video below is in Dutch, but you can use the subtitles.)