For example, a computer can help to diagnose a disease by comparing symptoms to those in a database. Also, they can't learn. They can only make connections they've been programmed to make. Cog is a humanoid stimulus-response robot designed to learn from its environment, the way a child does. Learn more about Cog.
Neural networks is another approach to artificial intelligence.
They are modeled after the human brain, with the advantage that they are better at handling ambiguity than rule-based systems. Once trained, the neural net responds to an input with a likely output. Unlike rule-based systems, a neural network doesn't give definite answers, only most probable answers. For example, by linking light sensors directly to motors, it's possible to make a light-seeking robot. Several stimulus-response mechanisms operating together in one robot can create elaborate behavior that seems intelligent.