Which AI branch focuses on understanding and interpreting human language?

The branch of AI that focuses on understanding and interpreting human language is Natural Language Processing (NLP). This area involves the intersection of linguistics, computer science, and artificial intelligence, enabling computers to process and analyze large amounts of natural language data. NLP encompasses various tasks, including language translation, sentiment analysis, and speech recognition, which are all aimed at bridging the gap between human communication and computer understanding.

By working with both structured and unstructured data, NLP techniques allow systems to derive meaning from text, understand context, and respond in a way that is coherent and contextually relevant. The development of chatbots, virtual assistants, and language translation services are practical applications of NLP that illustrate its significance in facilitating human-computer interaction.

In contrast, the other branches mentioned have distinct focuses: Machine Learning primarily deals with algorithms that allow computers to learn from and make predictions based on data; Neural Networks are a subset of machine learning that mimic the human brain's interconnected system of neurons, used for tasks like image and speech recognition; and Robotics encompasses the design and operation of robots, often involving a combination of various AI techniques but not specifically aimed at language processing.