In our AI evolution series, we've journeyed from symbolic systems and early neural networks to the rise of machine learning. Now, we dive into deep learning—the technology powering today's most astonishing breakthroughs, from image recognition to language generation.
Building on the AI Evolution Overview's look at AI's early days, let's explore a turning point: the neural network resurgence. In the 1980s and 90s, these systems broke free from symbolic AI's rigid rules, redefining how machines learn and engage with the world. For me, this era hit home—my Master's research on artificial neural networks (ANNs) began here, sparking a lifelong fascination.