Artificial intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science that centers on developing machines that can carry out tasks usually associated with intelligence, like voice recognition and decision-making abilities without the need for intervention or control mechanisms in place for them to operate effectively. According to John McCarthy, intelligence development is the science and engineering behind creating machines, specifically intelligent computer programs that have the capability to reason and make decisions autonomously without relying solely on observable methods, like in a science such as biology. This description encapsulates the ideas and intricacies of intelligence enough, but there a simpler explanation too. The folks at IBM put it plainly as follows: “Artificial intelligence is a blend of computer science and rich data sets used to tackle problems.”