In a broad generalization of the topic, artificial intelligence can be divided into two

main categories, knowledge based and machine learning based. To understand the
concept of artificial intelligence it is important to understand the goals and
possibilities of these two separate classifications.
Knowledge-based AI
The study and application of knowledge-based artificial intelligence has two main
goals, to build machines that have the capability to think on human level
intelligence, and to gain certain understanding about the condition of human
cognition. Knowledge-based artificial intelligence programs often have an expertlevel competence and grasp of a complex topic that can be easily be used to solve
a specific human problem. For example, the systems could be used as an assistance
tool that has the capability to combine human knowledge into a database and
provide relevant information when required. These types of machines are referred to
as expert systems, but this term is often used synonymously with knowledgebased systems. Knowledge-based machines have two logical parts that make up the
entire device: the knowledge base and the inference engine. The knowledge base
contains a superfluous amount of general information that can be recalled based on
the input user information. On the other hand, the inference engine allows the user
to understand the computer logic that is used to find the needed information. The
use of knowledge-based AI algorithms improves the accuracy, recall, and
precision [1] of knowledge systems.

Figure 1: A popular example of Knowledge-Based Artificial intelligence

Apples Siri.
Over time, as the system runs longer, the device increases pattern recognition, and
becomes even more efficient as a result. The use of these devices also can be made
multi-lingual, allowing the access to multiple languages of different views and ideas
that can further understanding of a particular subject. The use of knowledge-based
systems is only increasing the connection of information in an ever connecting
world.
Machine-Learning Systems
On the other hand, machine-learning systems have the ability to create exclusively
new information by discovering previously unknown information in a given data set.
To accomplish this, scientists have built something called an Artificial Neural
Network, which is a special hybrid learning system that associates with
connectionist learning techniques commonly found in cognitive studies of the
human neural network. Biologically, a neural network is made up of millions of
neurons that are all connected in some manner by electrical impulses. The goal of
machine-based AI is to replicate this system in order to provide a manner in which a
machine can find a solution to a problem. One specific challenge of this type of AI is
to take an input informational source, and offset information missing from another
source. For example, suppose you were given a number of objects, and each object
needed to be classified in a certain group based on its own physical appearance.
One possible way to teach someone how to classify these objects is the domain
theory approach, in which the categories are distinctly described. Based on the
definitive classification of each category the items can be assorted accordingly. On
the other hand, a person could be shown many amounts of this object, and told the
category it belongs in. Eventually, the person would learn which category each
object belongs in. These two types of learning are also replicated in computer
systems using two separate techniques called hand-built classifiers (domain theory)
and empirical learning (trial and error). The problem with this is that artificial
intelligence is limited if only one of these methods are used. Instead, knowledgebased AI, using Knowledge-Based Artificial Neural Networks combines hand-built
classifiers and empirical learning into one complex algorithm that is able to

approach the solution to a problem in multiple ways. Inserting a set of rules or

problem into the neural network allows the network to be refined using standard
neural learning algorithms and a set of classified training examples (Towell,
Shavlik). At this point the information needed can be extracted from the network,
after being analyzed comprehensively.

Citation
1. "Knowledge-based Artificial Intelligence." AI3. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2015.