Established from research into psychology, biology, mathematics, neurology and associated disciplines, this area of artificial intelligence focuses on the mechanisms of the human brain and how people think and learn. The results of research into human information processing are the foundation for the development of a variety of computer-based applications in AI such as the development of expert systems and other knowledge-based methods that add a knowledge base and reasoning capability to information systems.
Utilising information they acquire as they function, adaptive learning systems can modify their behaviour. Fuzzy logic systems process data that are incomplete or ambiguous and they develop approximate inferences and answers to unstructured problems with incomplete knowledge; just as a human would. Neural network software learns by processing sample problems and their solutions. Neural networks begin to recognise patterns and are able to program themselves to resolve these problems independently. Genetic algorithm software utilises randomising, Darwinian (survival of the fittest) and additional mathematical functions to mimic evolutionary processes into generating increasingly superior solutions to problems. Intelligent agents utilise expert systems and new AI technologies to function as software surrogates in a multiplicity of end-user applications.