Artificial intelligence (AI) is both the intelligence of machines and the branch of computer science which aims to create it.

Major AI textbooks define artificial intelligence as "the study and design of intelligent agents," where an intelligent agent is a system that perceives its environment and takes actions which maximize its chances of success. AI can be seen as a realization of an abstract intelligent agent (AIA) which exhibits the functional essence of intelligence.

Among the traits that researchers hope machines will exhibit are reasoning, knowledge, planning, learning, communication, perception and the ability to move and manipulate objects.General intelligence (or "strong AI") has not yet been achieved and is a long-term goal of AI research.

Here are some interesting video clips that put things into perspective. Dont worry - We are not interested in building a "Skynet" - refer to Terminator - Sarah Connor Chronicles.