Artificial intelligence is the simulation of human intelligence by machines. It involves developing algorithms and knowledge representations that allow machines to reason, solve problems, and act like humans. The field began in the 1950s with Alan Turing asking if machines can think and John McCarthy coining the term "artificial intelligence" in 1956. Today, AI is used across many domains from education and healthcare to automotive, finance, and more. While AI offers benefits like reduced errors and 24/7 work, challenges include costs, job replacement, and limited capabilities. The future of AI remains uncertain but it could potentially make humans extinct or immortal if superintelligent systems are achieved.