Artificial intelligence

What is artificial intelligence?

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems or models designed to perform tasks that would ordinarily require intelligence, such as recognising patterns, interpreting language, making predictions, generating content, supporting decisions or acting with a degree of autonomy.

The term AI can be used to generically describe both the technologies used to create a ‘smart’ machine and the properties of a system with characteristics we would recognise as human including the ability to recognise visual images, interpret speech, to learn by example and to make decisions based on a range of different information. In principle, many tasks currently performed by humans may be capable of being automated or supported by AI technology, although the suitability of AI will depend on the task, data quality, risk profile, legal constraints and the need for human oversight.

In its Guidelines for the Responsible Use of AI in the Public Service, the Irish Government identifies the definition of an AI system in the EU AI Act, art 3(1), as the relevant definition for Irish public service workers. Under that definition, an AI system is machine-based, operates with varying levels of autonomy,...