Hello, AI

Some machines can learn

Like I’m 5

Some machines are like puppies: they can learn new tricks by practising. A machine that learns is called AI.

The big idea

Most machines only do what they were built to do. A toaster toasts and a fan spins. However many times you use them, they never get better at it.

AI is different. AI is a computer program that learns from lots of examples, a bit like you learn by watching and trying. After practising, it can spot things, answer questions and help people.

Examples

A phone that knows your face: It looked at your face many times, so now it can tell it's you and unlock.
A speaker that understands you: When you say 'play a song', it has learned what those sounds mean.
A toy that only beeps: It beeps the same way every time. It can't learn, so it isn't AI.

Check your understanding

What makes a machine AI?: Options: It can learn from examples; It has flashing lights; It is very big.
Answer: It can learn from examples. AI is about learning. Lights and size have nothing to do with it.
Which one is AI?: Options: A phone that learns to recognise your face; A spoon; A light switch.
Answer: A phone that learns to recognise your face. The phone learned from examples of your face. Spoons and switches can't learn.

Remember

AI is a machine that learns from examples.

Talk about it

What’s one machine at home you wish could learn?

Go deeper

AI means computer systems that learn patterns from examples, instead of only following fixed rules. At this age one idea is enough: some machines learn, a ball doesn’t.