Fundamentally, the term “generative AI” describes a group of algorithms with the capacity to produce novel, creative content. Generative models can create wholly new data based on patterns and information learnt during training, in contrast to typical AI models that are tailored for particular tasks, such language translation or picture recognition.
The application of deep neural networks, in particular Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and Variational Autoencoders (VAEs), is one of the major developments in generative AI. GANs, which were first presented by Ian Goodfellow and associates in 2014, consist of a generator and a discriminator neural network that operate simultaneously. The discriminator assesses the validity of the artificial data that the generator produces. By means of an ongoing feedback loop, the generator enhances its capacity to generate content that is increasingly realistic.