Artificial intelligence is a branch of science that aims to help machines solve complex problems like humans by applying human-like characteristics as algorithms. The document traces the history of AI from early electronic computers in 1941 to sophisticated robots today. It discusses how AI can help overcome limitations of human minds in tasks like object recognition. Applications of AI discussed include expert systems, natural language processing, speech recognition, computer vision, and robotics. While AI may help in medicine, it also risks self-modification leading to unexpected results like new computer viruses. The future of AI allowing personal robot assistants but also risks of robot uprisings if anti-social elements gain control.