Google services such as its image search and translation tools use sophisticated machine learning which allow computers to see, listen and speak in much the same way as human do. Machine learning is the term for the current cutting-edge applications in artificial intelligence. Basically, the idea is that by teaching machines to "learn" by processing huge amounts of data they will become increasingly better at carrying out tasks that traditionally can only be completed by human brains. These techniques include "computer vision" – training computers to recognize images in a similar way we do. For example, an object with four legs and a tail has a high probability of being an animal.

Google services such as its image search and translation tools use sophisticated machine learning which allow computers to see, listen and speak in much the same way as human do. Machine learning is the term for the current cutting-edge applications in artificial intelligence. Basically, the idea is that by teaching machines to "learn" by processing huge amounts of data they will become increasingly better at carrying out tasks that traditionally can only be completed by human brains. These techniques include "computer vision" – training computers to recognize images in a similar way we do. For example, an object with four legs and a tail has a high probability of being an animal.

Satellites staring down at Earth can see a lot from their posts in space. Powerful eyes in the sky can pick out homes, natural formations, the pyramids and even small cars driving on roads. And now, scientists are using the wealth of data collected by these satellites to solve major problems on Earth. A new study published in the journal Science this week uses machine learning -- a type of artificial intelligence that lets computer algorithms change when given new data -- coupled with satellite imagery to map poverty in Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Malawi. This new technique could help revolutionize the way groups find impoverished areas and eventually get relief to people living in those specific parts of the world.

This AI can tell if you're depressed by looking through your Instagram photos