Definition: machine learning

The training phase of an artificial intelligence (AI) system. Machine learning systems "learn" about a subject by being fed a huge amount of data samples, which may be identified and labeled or not (see supervised learning). Adjustments by human AI engineers are also part of the training phase.

The Neural Network
Machine learning software is implemented in various architectures such as the neural network, which is the most widely published approach for AI processing. "Deep learning" is an advanced neural network that uses many layers of analysis. See deep learning, neural network and AI processing methods.

Pattern Recognition Systems
Machine learning (ML) is used to develop pattern recognition systems, including face, handwriting and voice, as well as medical diagnosis, ad serving, spam filtering and sales forecasting. Today's virtual assistants and chatbots are the result of both machine learning and "handcrafting," the latter providing manual adjustments. As more samples become available and more fine tuning is applied, the resulting AI program, known as an "inference engine," becomes more dependable. See AI, computer vision and generative AI.




The Hierarchy