Module 1: Foundations of AI · BoK I.A
The intelligence ladder: ANI to ASI
Four levels of AI capability, only ANI fully real today. Broad AI is the intermediate step; AGI and ASI do not currently exist. If a question describes a deployed real-world system, the answer is ANI.
Four levels, only one fully real today. Watch the status badges.
| Level | Status | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Exists · everywhere | Artificial Narrow Intelligence, aka narrow AI or weak AI. Performs specific, narrowly defined tasks and excels in its domain, but cannot transfer knowledge to other areas. Examples → Siri and Alexa, plus healthcare, finance, manufacturing, customer service. | |
| Broad AI | Intermediate step | More advanced in scope than ANI but not sophisticated enough to be AGI. Often a group of AI systems working together. Examples → AI agents, and autonomous vehicles can be considered broad AI. |
| Does not yet exist | Artificial General Intelligence, aka strong AI. Human-level intelligence that reasons, learns and solves problems across a wide range of domains, adapting without specialised training. A long-term research goal. | |
| Hypothetical | Artificial Super Intelligence. Surpasses human intelligence in virtually every domain, including scientific creativity, general wisdom and social skills. Feasible only if AGI is achieved first. |
Exam flash
Trap to avoid → AGI and ASI do not currently exist. If a question describes a deployed, real-world system, the answer is ANI (or broad AI for multi-system agents).
Key terms - quick answers
What is “ANI (Artificial Narrow Intelligence)”?
Narrow/weak AI that excels at specific tasks but cannot transfer knowledge; exists everywhere today.
What is “Broad AI”?
Intermediate step beyond ANI, often a group of AI systems working together, e.g. AI agents, autonomous vehicles.
What is “AGI (Artificial General Intelligence)”?
Strong AI with human-level intelligence across many domains; does not yet exist.
What is “ASI (Artificial Super Intelligence)”?
Hypothetical AI surpassing humans in virtually every domain; feasible only if AGI is achieved first.