Machine Learning is concerned with building computer systems that have the ability to improve their performance in a given domain through experience. Machine learning is inherently connected with the AI core topics and provides methodology and technology to enhance real-world applications within many of these topics. Machine learning also provides a bridge between AI technology and modern software engineering. As Tom Mitchell points out, Machine learning is now considered as a technology for both software development (especially suitable for difficult-to-program applications or for customizing software) and building intelligent software (i.e., a tool for AI programming).

Machine Learning techniques are an essential part of a growing number of applications in science, engineering, information systems and education, such as speech recognition, natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, game playing and medical data analysis among others. Emerging areas such as data mining and web mining use basic machine learning techniques including decision trees, neural networks and Bayesian learning.