AI Definition and examples:
AI in everyday life
Artificial intelligence is everywhere
Where AI makes our lives easier
From smart voice assistants that answer our questions to smart chatbots that are there to help us and translations that connect us across borders. AI has become an integral part of our everyday lives. Of course, this also applies to everyday business life.
Whether it is used for image and text generation, data analysis or translations, AI is on everyone's lips. Learn what artificial intelligence is and discover great examples of how you can work with it efficiently and profitably.
Definition of artificial intelligence
What is artificial intelligence anyway?
Artificial intelligence (AI for short) is the development of computer programs and systems capable of performing tasks that normally require human intelligence.
AI enables machines to process information, learn, recognise patterns and make decisions. It is based on algorithms and models that enable computers to analyse data, understand relationships and act on these insights.
The definition also distinguishes between strong and weak AI
Weak AI, also known as Narrow AI, refers to systems or algorithms that are specialised for specific tasks or problems. This type of AI is designed to efficiently solve a specific function or problem, but does not show extensive human-like intelligence. An example of this is chatbots. They are able to answer questions and have simple conversations, but do not show comprehensive understanding or awareness.
Strong AI, also known as General AI, refers to a system that has human-like intelligence and is capable of understanding and performing a variety of tasks that normally require human intelligence. This type of AI would have a broader understanding combined with the ability to learn and self-reflect. It would be able to solve complex problems, be creative and make human-like decisions. However, no-one has yet been able to develop a strong AI and so it remains an AI research goal.
AI is used in various fields, including speech recognition, image processing, autonomous driving, medical diagnosis and much more.
AI examples in everyday life
Where do we already use AI in our everyday life?
In our everyday lives, we are already surrounded by numerous applications of artificial intelligence (AI), usually in unexpected places.
Technologies such as search engines or chatbots make our lives easier by helping us find information or complete tasks.
Read here about where AI can be found in our everyday lives – and above all how it helps us.
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Search engines
Search engines like Google or Bing have long been the secret heroes of our everyday lives. It is not for nothing that the term “googling” has made it into the Duden dictionary as a synonym for “researching”. Search engines use artificial intelligence to deliver the most relevant search results for you using trained algorithms. Who would have thought that the majority of us probably work with AI on a daily basis?
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Voice assistants
Our popular voice assistants Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant also use artificial intelligence to respond to our voice commands and help us with various tasks. Whether we are asking for the weather, setting an alarm or searching for information, voice assistants use trained algorithms to recognise our voices and provide the right answers or actions.
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Chatbots
Chatbots are another example of the use of artificial intelligence in everyday life. They are virtual assistants who we can communicate with via text messages. Companies such as Amazon, Apple and Facebook are already successfully using chatbots in various areas, such as customer service, to answer questions or offer support. These clever programmes use artificial intelligence to have human-like conversations and respond to specific requests. They are trained using algorithms to understand natural language and generate the appropriate responses.
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Personalised recommendations
Personalised recommendations are another area where artificial intelligence is being successfully used. Many companies use algorithms and AI models to make tailored product suggestions. You may have experienced being recommended products on online shopping sites (e.g. Amazon) based on your preferences and past purchases. These personalised recommendations are made possible by analysing user data and learning from past interactions. The goal is to provide you with a personalised and individual shopping experience.
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Translations
Language translation is a notable application of artificial intelligence in everyday life. Thanks to advanced technologies, we can now translate entire texts from one language to another in real time. These tools use artificial intelligence to analyse language, recognise patterns and then generate an accurate translation. At tolingo, we also already use AI for our translations. AI translations, aka smart translations,always involve interaction between artificial intelligence and professional translators.
For a high-quality AI translation, it is advisable to have it proofread afterwards.
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Smart home
Smart home refers to a networked and automated home that is controlled with the help of artificial intelligence and intelligent devices. Many households already have smart devices such as thermostats, lighting systems or security cameras. These can be controlled with AI and even communicate with each other.
Well-known examples of smart-home systems are Amazon Alexa and Google Home, which serve as voice assistants and enable the control of networked devices. With the help of artificial intelligence, smart homes can learn our habits and preferences and automatically adapt to maximise our comfort and energy efficiency. For example, you can dim the lights, regulate the room temperature or remotely control household appliances with your voice. A smart home can simplify our everyday life, improve energy efficiency and create a modern and connected living environment.
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AI explained simply
Infographic
The term artificial intelligence is often equated with robots you only see in films.
Artificial intelligence has not only been part of our everyday lives for decades, it is also less complex than most people think.
The infographic opposite shows how simple AI really is.
You can read about where artificial intelligence is already enriching and facilitating our everyday lives in the next sections of our guide.
Download the infographic as an image instead.
AI examples in companies
Which areas are already using AI?
Artificial intelligence has found its way into various business areas in recent years and is revolutionising the way they work. In the age of digitalisation, more and more companies are turning to AI to optimise their processes, increase efficiency and develop innovative solutions.
From text and image generation to image recognition, web analytics and robotics, there are numerous applications where AI is already being successfully used. Companies such as Google, Microsoft and Amazon use AI to develop advanced AI models and algorithms that are able to generate human-like text and images, recognise complex patterns in images and analyse the behaviour of website visitors.
In addition, AI is also being used in medical diagnosis to help doctors make accurate diagnoses. In the agricultural sector, AI is also helping to maximise crop yields and implement more environmentally friendly farming methods. Even in traffic control and fraud detection, AI plays an important role by optimising traffic flows and detecting suspicious activities at an early stage.
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Companies that already use AI
There are numerous companies that are already successfully using artificial intelligence in their everyday business. The best-known include Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple.
Google uses AI in various areas such as search engines, voice assistants and personalized recommendations.Amazon also has an AI voice assistant and uses AI for personalized recommendations on its e-commerce platform, among other things.
In addition to its voice assistant, Microsoft also offers AI-based solutions for other companies.
At Apple, the iPhone's facial recognition function is an AI that is worth mentioning in particular, alongside perhaps the most famous voice assistant, Siri.
Of course, these are only a few examples of companies that use AI support. Many more companies are already using artificial intelligence to improve their services and products, optimize the user experience and offer innovative solutions. -
Text and image generation
Many companies already use automatic text and image generation with the help of AI. This can be helpful, for example, when creating product descriptions and promotional materials. Text and image generation are fascinating applications of artificial intelligence that are becoming increasingly important. AI models can use neural networks to analyze large amounts of data and generate new texts or even images. This technology is used in a number of different areas, including the automatic creation of product descriptions, the generation of individual text content for marketing purposes and the creation of creative texts in art and literature.
In image generation, AI can be used to create realistic images or modify existing images. These advances in text and image generation open up new creative possibilities and help businesses and artists efficiently create content. At the same time, however, they also raise questions about how the authenticity of generated content can be guaranteed and what ethical considerations should be taken into account when dealing with AI-generated texts and images. -
Image recognition
AI systems use machine learning, including deep learning and neural networks, to analyze and interpret images – so they recognize what is on them. This is used, for example, for facial recognition in photos or for the automatic categorization of images. Image recognition is a common application of artificial intelligence, which enables computers to analyze and interpret visual information. By using complex algorithms, AI is able to recognize images and faces, identify objects and even understand complex scenes.
This technology has numerous applications, from automatically sorting and categorizing images in social media to object recognition in medical diagnostics or monitoring security systems. Nevertheless, ethical and privacy considerations are also of great importance here to ensure that the use of image recognition technologies is in line with individual rights and privacy. -
Web analysis
Companies use AI to analyze large amounts of data from the internet. This enables them to identify trends, understand customer preferences and optimize their marketing strategies.
Web analytics is a critical tool in the use of AI, providing companies with valuable insights into user behavior on their websites and digital platforms. This enables businesses to optimize their online presence, run targeted marketing campaigns and offer personalized user experiences. AI-powered web analytics can also help measure the effectiveness of marketing strategies, improve conversion rates and enhance the user experience of websites. Through continuous analysis and adaptation based on AI models, companies can maximize the success of their online presence and strengthen their customer loyalty. -
Robotics
AI-based robots have been used in industry for several decades to perform repetitive tasks. For example, they can help in production, in the warehouse and in logistics. Robotics is an emerging field of artificial intelligence that deals with the development and use of robots.
AI-controlled robots can perform complex tasks by perceiving their environment, processing information and reacting to it. They are used in various fields, such as industry, medicine, logistics and even space travel. Robots can automate repetitive tasks, explore dangerous or inaccessible environments and help support people with limited mobility. As AI technology advances, robots are becoming increasingly intelligent and interactive, leading to improved collaboration between humans and machines. -
Fraud detection
AI can identify suspicious activities or transactions early on and thus protect companies from fraud, whether in online banking or e-commerce. Fraud detection is an area where AI plays an important role.
Through the use of advanced AI algorithms and machine learning, suspicious activity and fraudulent patterns can be detected in real time. AI systems analyze large amounts of data to identify unusual behavior patterns, deviations from normal transaction patterns or other suspicious indicators. The application of AI in fraud detection not only improves efficiency and accuracy in identifying fraud, but also significantly reduces financial damage to businesses and protects customers' interests. -
Medical diagnosis
In recent years, AI models and algorithms have evolved greatly and are increasingly used in medical diagnosis. Artificial intelligence can thus support doctors in diagnosing diseases. By analyzing medical data, it gives clues to possible diseases.
Medical diagnosis is an area that can benefit greatly from artificial intelligence. The use of advanced algorithms and machine learning allows AI systems to analyze large amounts of medical data and provide valuable diagnostic support to doctors. AI can thus help analyze complex medical images, such as X-rays, MRI scans and histopathological images, and identify potential abnormalities or patterns of disease. In addition, AI models can help doctors make more accurate diagnoses and create personalized treatment plans due to their extensive knowledge of medical literature and research findings. The application of AI in medical diagnosis can increase efficiency, improve accuracy and potentially support life-saving decisions.
However, it is important to emphasize that the final diagnosis will always be in the hands of healthcare professionals, with the AI systems serving as tools to support and complement them. The development of AI-assisted diagnostic technologies requires careful validation, ethical considerations and continuous improvement to ensure safe and high-quality patient care. -
Agriculture
In agriculture, for example, AI helps with harvest planning, monitoring plant diseases or optimizing the irrigation system. Artificial intelligence has the potential to improve farm efficiency and sustainability. Through the use of AI technologies, farmers can obtain important information about soil conditions, growing conditions, pest infestations and crop cycles.
AI-powered systems can analyze large amounts of data in order to make accurate predictions about the optimum sowing time, irrigation patterns and fertilizer use. In addition, drones and sensors with AI capabilities make it possible to monitor fields and livestock in great detail, so problems can be identified early on and specific actions taken. Integrating AI into agriculture can make more efficient use of resources, increase yields and reduce the environmental impact. -
Traffic control
AI systems are even used for traffic control. By using AI technologies, traffic flows can be analyzed, predicted and optimized to reduce congestion and make traffic flow more efficient.
Traffic monitoring systems, sensors, and cameras continuously provide data on traffic density, vehicle movements and traffic accidents, which are analyzed by AI-supported algorithms. Based on this data, intelligent traffic systems can adjust traffic lights, traffic light circuits and traffic signs to optimize traffic flow and minimize delays. In addition, AI models make it possible to predict traffic incidents, accidents and road works, which in turn leads to better traffic planning and coordination. It’s clear then that AI plays a crucial role in traffic regulation.
The future with AI
How is our everyday life changing with AI?
The future of artificial intelligence (AI) promises to change our everyday (working) lives even more profoundly. AI is becoming more advanced and is being used in an increasing number of areas. Our everyday lives will continue to be equipped with intelligent voice assistants that understand our needs and perform our tasks efficiently. Smart devices and the Internet of Things will become more widespread, making our homes and work environments even more connected and automated.
Businesses will benefit from advanced AI technologies that help them analyze data to make better decisions, personalize customer experiences and optimize processes. AI will open up new business opportunities and enable innovative solutions in a number of areas, including healthcare, transport and finance, among others.
Our jobs will also undoubtedly be influenced by artificial intelligence (AI). While some traditional areas of work may be affected by automation, AI is also opening up new opportunities and creating new professions. Routine and repetitive tasks will increasingly be taken over by AI systems, leading to a shift in the workforce towards creative and complex activities.
AI can help us make data-driven decisions, solve complex problems and work more efficiently. In addition, jobs will emerge that focus on the development, implementation, maintenance and, above all, use of AI systems.
Cooperation between humans and machines will become much more important in the future. AI systems can complement our skills and help us be more productive and innovative. It will be crucial to promote lifelong learning to meet changing demands and successfully shape the future of work in an AI-driven world.
Even if we cannot assess 100% how the future with AI will pan out, one thing is certain:
It won't be boring!