What is AI?

The mention of artificial intelligence usually sparks conversations around the singularity and robots revolting against humans, but what really is AI and how is it used today? Outside of the realm of science fiction, AI is becoming more and more prevalent in our society. The technology can be discreet, such as a mobile phone voice-controlled assistant, or more obviously, such as self-driving cars. Artificial intelligence programs are widely used over a number of industries. The technology can be used to help doctors to analyse images, control robots in automotive manufacturing and even translate for Amazon's home assistant, Alexa.