What’s the Difference Between AI and ML?

Imagine this first:

Let’s say you want a machine to help you clean your house.

• AI (Artificial Intelligence) is the idea that the machine can “act smart”—like decide what to clean first.
• ML (Machine Learning) is the part where the machine learns how to clean better by practicing over time.

That’s the difference in real life:

• AI = the brainy behavior
• ML = the learning process inside

Let’s break it down even more:

Concept	What it means	Easy example
AI (Artificial Intelligence)	Any computer or robot that does “smart” things like humans	Voice assistants, self-driving cars, chatbots
ML (Machine Learning)	A way for machines to “learn” by seeing data again and again	Netflix learning what shows you like

Think of AI like the goal (be smart), and ML like the tool (how it learns to be smart).

Visual Analogy:

• AI = A finished puzzle
• ML = The method of putting pieces together

ML is how AI is built—AI is the full product.

For example:

• When Siri talks to you, that’s AI.
• When Siri gets better at understanding your voice after a few weeks—that’s ML.

Summary for Memory

• AI is the big goal – make machines act smart
• ML is the way they learn – by practicing on data
• Not all AI is ML. But almost all modern AI uses ML.

Tips for remembering:

• AI = “Act Intelligent”
• ML = “Make it Learn”

You can even say:
"AI is what it does, ML is how it learns."