What is AI? A Beginner’s Guide for SAP AI Learners (Part 1)
The term “Artificial Intelligence (AI)” was first used back in 1956, but for decades it lived mostly in research labs and movies. With the rise of ChatGPT, AI became a hot topic everywhere. This is Part 1 of our 7-part series: AI explained in plain words, with a lost-toy story, everyday examples and a simple map of the types of AI.
Introduction
This 7-part series is for anyone who wants to start learning about SAP AI. No matter what your job is, understanding the basics of Generative AI and how it connects to SAP (our guide to how business AI works inside SAP systems shows where this ends up) is a smart choice.
We break SAP AI into easy-to-understand parts, one step at a time.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): A Kid’s Perspective
Let’s break down AI in a simple way. Imagine you are looking for your favorite lost toy. Here is what you need to do to find it:
Now imagine someone tells you, “I saw your toy in the backyard.” You know where the backyard is and how to get there. You will not mistake a different toy for your own. And when you see the toy, you check that it is your favorite one.
You can find your toy because you have all these smart abilities. But what if we could give these abilities to a robot, so that the next time you lose your toy, the robot could help you find it?
Imagine the robot can move around and take pictures. That is a good start, but it needs to think and act like you do:
2. SPOT YOUR TOY → tell your specific toy from other toys
3. UNDERSTAND INSTRUCTIONS → understand what you say and follow your directions
4. PLAN AND ADAPT → make a search plan and adjust, like searching more thoroughly in a messy room
In short, to find your toy, the robot needs human-like intelligence. So Artificial Intelligence (AI) is creating smart, human-like abilities in robots, machines or computers.
What is AI?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is when machines or computers are designed to imitate how humans think and make decisions. In simple terms, AI is about making computers capable of “thinking” like humans.
AI allows computers to understand and analyze data, and make decisions on their own without needing constant human help. These smart machines use algorithms, which are detailed sets of instructions, to process information and get better at tasks over time.
Everyday Uses of AI
You might be using AI every day without realizing it. Whether it is the smart features in your apps or the technology behind your favorite services, AI is all around us, making life more convenient. Here are some common ways it shows up:
These examples show how AI is woven into our daily routines, making tasks easier and more efficient while often working quietly behind the scenes.
Understanding AI Types
Imagine AI as different kinds of robots or programs that can do different things. These are the main types:
Generative AI Fits Under Narrow AI
Generative AI is a special kind of Narrow AI that can create new things. Instead of just following rules or doing tasks, it can make new content, like writing stories, drawing pictures or composing music. For example, a Generative AI might help you write a fun story about a dragon and a spaceship, or generate a new piece of music based on your favorite songs.
Example: an AI that helps you design a new video game level or comes up with new ideas for a storybook. It uses what it knows to create something new and original.
Generative AI fits under Narrow AI because it specializes in creating new content and is not yet capable of the broad range of abilities that General AI would have.
Your weekly SAP AI brief
10,521+ SAP professionals read it every week. One SAP AI briefing a week: what SAP shipped, what it means for your role, and one thing to try.
Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
AI vs. Human Intelligence: Key Differences
AI and human intelligence each have their own strengths. AI is remarkable at handling numbers and rules with speed and accuracy, while human intelligence brings emotional depth, creativity and adaptability. Think of AI as a super-efficient calculator, and human intelligence as a vibrant, ever-evolving work of art.
| Area | AI | Humans |
|---|---|---|
| How they learn | Analyzes vast amounts of data and finds patterns. Becomes proficient in specific tasks by processing many examples. | Learn through direct experience, conversation and exploration, from new skills to understanding natural phenomena. |
| Speed of thinking | Executes tasks at lightning speed, especially trained ones. Very efficient with repetitive, well-defined work. | May take longer, but excel at complex problems and creative, innovative solutions. |
| Memory | Retains information and facts based on programming, but has no personal experiences or emotions. | Remember events, emotions and personal details, like cherished memories or favorite songs. |
| Emotional understanding | Does not experience emotions. Works on predefined rules and patterns. | Experience joy, sadness and empathy. Feelings shape our actions and interactions. |
| Adaptability | Functions based on its training and may struggle with unfamiliar situations. | Highly adaptable and resourceful, thriving in new and unpredictable scenarios. |
| Creativity | Creates within defined parameters, like an artist with a fixed set of tools. | Generate novel ideas and push beyond existing boundaries. |
| Understanding context | Knows what it was taught but may struggle with nuance, like humor or cultural subtleties. | Understand complex social interactions, humor and cultural nuance. |
| Decision-making | Decides from data and programming, following logical rules and algorithms. | Combine logic, emotions and personal values, reflecting unique perspectives. |
In summary, AI is a powerhouse of speed and precision for specific tasks, while human intelligence is enriched with creativity, emotional depth and adaptability.
SAP AI Skills
Very few have SAP AI skills.
Key takeaways
- AI means machines or computers designed to imitate how humans think and make decisions, like the robot that helps find a lost toy.
- You already use AI daily: fitness apps, maps, smart homes, email filters, music streaming, voice-to-text and travel booking.
- Narrow AI does one job well and is what we use today. General AI and Artificial Superintelligence remain theoretical.
- Generative AI is a kind of Narrow AI that creates new content such as stories, images and music.
- Next up in the series: machine learning, deep learning and the specifics of Generative AI.
New to the series? Subscribe to our free SAP AI newsletter at zequance.ai/news to get each new part and other SAP AI updates.
If you want guided learning, the SAP AI Masterclass covers the SAP AI concepts behind this series.
Alma TA is SAP AI Solutions Director at Zequance.AI, specializing in SAP Business AI, Joule, AI Core, and generative AI on SAP BTP. Drawing on her background in data science and enterprise analytics, she turns complex SAP AI concepts into practical guidance for consultants, architects, and business leaders.
