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Definition: inference engine


The part of an AI system that generates answers. An inference engine comprises the hardware and software that provides analyses, makes predictions or generates unique content. In other words, the software people use when they ask ChatGPT, Grok or Gemini a question. For more details, see AI training vs. inference.

Human Rules Were the First AI
Years ago, the first AI systems relied on human rules, known as "expert systems," essentially the first inference engines. However, the capabilities of today's neural networks and GPT architectures are light years ahead of such systems. See expert system.

A Term with Wiggle Room?
The English word "inference" implies assumption and conjecture. Apparently, in the early days of AI, "inferring" an answer seemed a safer bet than "generating" the answer, which implies a degree of accuracy. Thus, even today, an AI does not generate a result; it "infers" the result. Perhaps that term will provide some wiggle room in a future lawsuit! See AI training vs. inference, AI types, AI training, neural network and deep learning.