Understanding artificial intelligence (AI) terminology is more than just adding vocabulary; it’s about acquiring the tools to better interact with and utilize technology.
This is also important for any business or ecommerce owners.
This article provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of eight fundamental AI terms that everyone should know to better interact with this rapidly developing field.
1. Large Language Models (LLM)
Large Language Models (LLM) such as the GPT series and BERT have revolutionized how machines understand human language. These models are trained on vast amounts of text data, allowing them to predict and generate text in a way that is contextually relevant to the given input. This capability has a wide range of applications, from writing assistance to customer service bots, making them valuable across various sectors including marketing, customer support, and even creative industries.
2. Embedding
In AI, an ’embedding’ is a technique for converting text data into a form that computers can understand. Essentially, embeddings are numerical representations of words, sentences, or documents that preserve semantic meaning.
These representations enable AI models to process and analyze text data efficiently. Applications of embeddings are mostly found in the field of natural language processing (NLP), where they help in tasks such as sentiment analysis and language translation.
3. Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG)
Retrieval Augmented Generation, or RAG, combines the best of both neural language models and information retrieval techniques to produce responses that are not only relevant but also factually accurate by pulling from a broad range of informational texts. Below is a table that compares RAG to traditional language models:
| Feature | Traditional LMs | RAG Models |
| Data Source | Pre-trained on dataset | Dynamic retrieval from data |
| Answer Generation | Fixed knowledge base | Augmented by external data |
| Flexibility in Responses | Limited | High |
| Application Use | General queries | Specific, knowledge-heavy queries |
For more information on building a RAG pipeline visit this site.
4. Transformer Models
Transformers are a type of neural network architecture that has become foundational to many recent advances in AI. Unlike prior models that processed inputs sequentially, transformers use what’s known as ‘attention mechanisms’ to weigh the significance of all parts of the input data simultaneously. This architecture is particularly effective for tasks that require understanding the context across a long input, such as document summarization or complex question answering.
5. Supervised Learning
Supervised learning is a machine learning approach where models are trained using labeled data. Here, the model learns to map an input to an output based on input-output pairs, making it effective for predictive modeling. Common applications include image recognition, where images are labeled with tags, and spam detection, where emails are tagged as ‘spam’ or ‘not spam.’
6. Unsupervised Learning
Unsupervised learning involves training models on data without explicit labels. This method is ideal for discovering hidden patterns or data clustering without pre-existing labels. Applications include market basket analysis, where unsupervised learning algorithms can identify products that frequently co-occur in shopping baskets.
7. Neural Networks
Neural networks are a class of machine learning algorithms modeled loosely after the human brain, designed to recognize patterns. They interpret sensory data through a kind of machine perception, labeling, or clustering raw input. The common types of neural networks include:
- Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), used primarily for image and video recognition.
- Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), effective for sequence prediction like time series analysis.
These networks have profoundly impacted AI, driving progress in fields ranging from autonomous vehicles to financial forecasting.
8. Natural Language Understanding (NLU)
Natural Language Understanding is a subset of NLP focused on enabling machines to understand and interpret human language as it is naturally spoken or written. NLU goes beyond the superficial processing of language to discern intent and context, providing more nuanced interactions with AI-driven systems. Applications are wide-ranging, impacting sectors like automated customer service and interactive voice response systems.
By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you can better appreciate the developments in AI and more effectively participate in conversations about technology’s role in modern society. Whether you are a professional looking to refine your technical knowledge or a curious enthusiast, these insights are a valuable resource in your educational toolkit.
