Artificial intelligence (AI) is an area of computer science that emphasizes creating intelligent machines that work like humans. AI involves programming computers for traits like perception, learning, planning, problem solving and knowledge. While initially developed in 1956, AI has grown in demand due to big data. AI can be categorized into weak AI, which is designed for specific tasks, and strong AI, which aims for general intelligence. AI has many applications in fields like law, education, business, finance, healthcare and manufacturing. It provides advantages such as increasing work efficiency and reducing costs and errors, but also faces disadvantages like potential misuse if not properly programmed. The future of AI is focused on developing smarter systems through advances in machine learning and deep learning.