The best types of AI for business in 2025

4 min read

Let’s take a trip back to 1956. Written by Allen Newell, Herbert A. Simon and Cliff Shaw, “The Logic Theorist” was a computer program that could prove theorems in symbolic logic. It’s the first example of Artificial Intelligence.

Now we have a plethora of different types of AI with mass appeal. You have Siri’s impact in 2011, whereby humans noticed AI’s ability to handle complex, human-centric tasks. Then came artificial neural networks in 2012. Machines could suddenly mimic human brain processes with reinforcement learning. Deep learning algorithms gave AI a new sort of independence. And that was great for business.

Read on as we explore the different types of Artificial Intelligence that are changing the world—and possibly your life.

What are the main types of Artificial Intelligence?

To understand different types of AI, we want to start with broad, umbrella terms and gradually get more specific. The primary category (which all the others fall within) is AI that’s based on capabilities. This means how a type of AI works. Within that category, you have types of AI based on functionality. That means what each subset does.

It’s worth knowing, but if you’re just searching for types of Artificial Intelligence for business, feel free to skip to the next section. We won’t know either way!

1. Narrow AI

Narrow AI is used to perform specific tasks more efficiently than humans. However, it’s “narrow” because it can’t operate outside a defined scope. Functional types of Narrow AI include Reactive Machine AI, which performs tasks based on data but doesn’t retain information. Examples include IBM Deep Blue, which famously beat chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov. Netflix’s recommendation engine is also made with Reactive Machine AI.

You also have Limited Memory AI, which can remember past events to inform future actions. This type of AI improves performance as it processes more data over time, though its memory isn’t long-term. Examples include generative AI tools like ChatGPT, virtual assistants and autonomous vehicles.

2. General AI

General AI is still theoretical. When it’s put into practice, it will use past knowledge to learn new tasks without human training. Functionally, this would result in Theory of Mind AI, which aims to understand the emotions and thoughts of other entities. That means machines could build human-like relationships, which is a concept aimed for by Emotion AI, too.

3. Super AI

Artificial Superintelligence is some way off. This would be a type of AI with cognitive abilities beyond those of human understanding—which includes advanced reasoning, emotional understanding and independent judgment. In terms of functionality, this could take the form of Self-Aware AI. That means Artificial Intelligence with a deep understanding of its thoughts, emotions, and internal conditions—resulting in its own set of beliefs and desires.

How do businesses use different types of AI?

Theory aside, let’s examine how businesses are already using Narrow AI in 2025.

1. Computer Vision

Narrow AI equipped with computer vision can interpret and analyze visual data. This enables things like facial recognition, object detection and content-based image retrieval. This is essential for anything autonomous that might use Spatial AI.

2. Robotics

Robots can use Narrow AI for repetitive tasks in industrial settings. This could include assembly and quality inspections. Healthcare robots are also assisting surgeries, while agricultural robots can autonomously sow seeds and spray crops.

3. Expert Systems

Narrow AI is being used to solve complex problems by analyzing large data sets to predict trends and assist businesses. That may take the form of understanding the past to better adjust processes in the future.

What Artificial Intelligence technologies exist in 2025?

Now, there are plenty of Artificial Intelligence technologies in 2025, but the question is which one’s right for you? Let’s delve into five types of AI technology and see what real-world impact they can have on your business.

1. Generative AI

Generative AI is a transformative tool that creates original content—such as text, images and designs—based on specified inputs. This has revolutionized creative processes in marketing and enabled efficient scaling for businesses. Key applications include automated product descriptions for e-commerce, personalized marketing campaigns that enhance customer engagement, and AI-generated social media content that preserves brand voice while lightening workloads.

2. Machine Learning (ML)

Machine learning uses large data sets for analysis. Businesses can train models to recognize patterns and automate decision-making, with it being useful for targeted marketing, optimizing inventory and executing real-time fraud detection.

3. Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Models (LLMs)

Natural Language Processing (NLP) enables machines to understand, interpret and generate human language. You’ll already be aware of ChatGPT or GPT-4, which can help you write emails, manage customer queries and do sentiment analysis of information like reviews or large pieces of text.

4. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) optimizes automation by handling repetitive, rule-based tasks through software robots. This streamlines operations and reduces manual workload, all while minimizing human error. Although not classified as Artificial Intelligence, RPA can complement AI for enhanced business outcomes. Key applications include invoice processing—where bots extract, validate and input data into accounting systems—data entry automation that boosts efficiency and accuracy, and compliance monitoring.

5. Computer Vision

Computer Vision helps machines to interpret visual data. That results in diverse applications that analyze images and videos to identify objects, detect patterns and extract insights. Key uses include automated inventory management that monitors stock levels in real-time or visual quality control that scans product images for defects during manufacturing. It can also be used in security and surveillance systems that analyze video feeds to detect suspicious activities.

So, how can understanding AI types benefit high-level executives?

Understanding AI is now essential for business leaders. If you don’t recognize its potential to enhance operations, decision-making and overall results, then you’re in for a nasty surprise. C-Suite executives need to spend time with AI use cases and start thinking about ethics of Artificial Intelligence in their business.

Practically speaking, you should also understand implmentation strategies for AI. For effective integration, you’ll need hands-on experience with AI systems. And you should also find ways to encourage staff experimentation by fostering a digitally-curious culture in the workplace.

And it’s not just your data and operations which can benefit from different types of AI. It can significantly boost employee satisfaction by automating repetitive tasks. As long as your protecting sensitive data with ethical practices and maintaining fairness and clarity around AI usage, you can set your company up to flourish in every way.