Defining machine learning and why we need it

Machine learning is a term coined around 1960, composed of two words—machine corresponds to a computer, robot, or other device, and learning refers to an activity intended to acquire or discover event patterns, which we humans are good at.

So, why do we need machine learning and why do we want a machine to learn as a human? First and foremost, of course, computers and robots can work 24/7 and don't get tired, need breaks, call in sick, or go on strike. Their maintenance is much lower than a human's and costs a lot less in the long run. Also, for sophisticated problems that involve a variety of huge datasets or complex calculations, for instance, it's much more justifiable, not to mention intelligent, to let computers do all of the work. Machines driven by algorithms designed by humans are able to learn latent rules...