<strong>Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Computing: What’s the difference in coding?</strong>
Following the advancement of technology in recent years, artificial intelligence, popularly called AI has emerged as a leading field. Likewise, another related jargon called cognitive computing has developed alongside AI, both of which are often used interchangeably. However, in reality, there are massive differences between them, especially in terms of their objectives and techniques. Here’s understanding their distinct natures.
What is AI?
In simple terms, artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the branch of computer science that deals with mimicking of human-level intelligence, self-awareness, knowledge, conscience and thoughts exhibited through computer programs and software. It is trained in such a way that it is able to figure out the best way to accomplish a task or make a decision, based on inputs and instructions. Following this, AI takes necessary actions based on its findings. This includes studying backgrounds, analysing them, finding problems and their solutions. Example: voice recognition system or fingerprint scanner on smartphones.
What is cognitive computing?
Cognitive computing refers to fundamental decision-making technology in computers. In cognitive computing, the computer provides data to human decision makers to help them make intelligent and data-driven judgements. Cognitive computing can handle and process huge volumes of data and engages in repetitive analysis to modify the performance. Cognitive computing often employs AI technologies such as voice and image recognition, data mining and so on to solve complicated problems. Cognitive computing thus act as humans and can learn, think and connect with other humans and help them make life-changing decisions.
Difference between cognitive computing and AI?
There are primarily two kinds of differences between cognitive computing and AI.
Interaction with humans: In cognitive computing, computer systems collaborate with humans and guide them to make suitable decisions through the methods of reasoning, analysing and memorising. Humans can choose to either accept or decline its findings. AI on the other hand makes the most accurate decision or action on behalf of the humans involved.
Offering solutions/outputs: In case of cognitive computing, conflicting or shifting information that is relevant to the context at hand is taken into account. In fact, its findings are based on predictive and prescriptive analysis that in turn guide humans to make the call for themselves. In contrast, AI directly tries to solve the problem once it receives the data at hand and even makes the final call using its pre-trained algorithms. Thus, AI focuses on automating procedures, while cognitive computing focuses on decision support.