Robotics is the study of computer-controlled mechanical devices. However, factory managers still want to avoid accidents, as robots are expensive. Therefore, they have to be able to sense their surroundings. Some robots use expert systems or neural nets to recognize shapes. This object is most likely a chair.
More advanced robots can see colors as well as shapes.
The sensation my be enhanced by touch, smell, and taste as well. If they crash the virtual plane, nobody dies, so this is the best way for pilots to get experience. An expert system or neural net tells the computer how a real plane would respond. These are some exotic applications of artificial intelligence, but more common uses are all around. You've probably come in contact with a few machines driven by an artificial intelligence program.