Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Artificial Intelligence: A Glossary

Confused by artificial intelligence terms? Here's a glossary of some of the most common terms and how they are being used in trucking and logistics.

May 21, 2020
Artificial Intelligence: A Glossary

 

Photo: Seanbatty via Pixabay

3 min to read


Agentic AI: On of Gartner's Top Strategic Technology Trends for 2025, the next frontier of artificial intelligence is agentic AI, according to Nvidia. It uses sophisticated reasoning and iterative planning to autonomously solve complex, multi-step problems. Agentic AI can autonomously plan and take action to achieve goals set by the user. As IBM explains, agentic AI takes autonomous capabilities to the next level by using large language models, machine learning, and natural language processing to perform autonomous tasks on behalf of the user or another system. 

Algorithm: A logical sequence of explicit, step-by-step instructions to solve any problem. These are the building blocks that make up machine learning and artificial intelligence. The goal of an algorithm is to teach AI, neural network, or other machines how to figure things out on their own.

Ad Loading...

Artificial Intelligence: Computers capable of doing human-like tasks: decision-making, object classification and detection, speech recognition and translation.

Artificial neural network: An algorithm that attempts to mimic the biological neural networks that make up the human brain, with layers of connected “neurons” sending information to each other.

Big data: Large amounts of structured and unstructured data that is too complex to be handled by standard data-processing software.

Chatbots: Simulates a real conversation through text or voice messages. Chatbots use machine learning to identify communication patterns and thus learn to imitate real conversations. After each dialogue, they become smarter. According to Nvicia, AI chatbots use generative AI to provide responses based on a single interaction. A person makes a query and the chatbot uses natural language processing to reply.

Cognitive computing: A computerized model that mimics human thought processes to assist humans in finding solutions to complex problems, rather than automating things. It overlaps with AI and uses many of the same underlying technologies.

Ad Loading...

Computer vision: A field of AI that uses AI technologies to solve complex problems using  information from images and video, such as object detection.

Data mining: The process of sorting through large sets of data in order to identify recurring patterns while establishing problem-solving relationships.

Digital twin: A virtual copy of a physical asset, which can enable better monitoring, diagnostics and predictions. At its simplest, a digital twin can be described as a virtual copy of a real object, explains Intangles. It is linked to its “physical twin” through a dynamic data feed. This means the digital twin is continually “learning” to be a better and more accurate replica of its physical counterpart. "And because it’s virtual, you can do far more with the Digital Twin than you could with the physical thing."

Generative AI: Generative AI, such as ChatGPT or image-based tools such DALL-E, is a type of artificial intelligence that can create new content, such as text, images, or video, using deep-learning models learned from training on large amounts of existing data. As Deloitte explains, it can retrieve, parse, analyze, organize, and synthesize a range of disparate datasets, text, documents, and other readable/scannable content.

Machine learning: A set of algorithms that allows you to feed machines (computers) data and let them learn a few tricks on their own, without being explicitly programmed to do so. Machine learning is a subset of AI. It can be fed only with structured data, while AI can handle both structured and unstructured pieces of information.

Ad Loading...
Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Fleet Management

Daimler-Class8 partnership.
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 2, 2026

DTNA Partners with Class8 to Expand Digital Services for Freightliner Owner-Operators

A new partnership brings free wireless ELD service plus load optimization and dispatch planning tools to fourth- and fifth-generation Freightliner Cascadia customers, with broader model availability planned through 2026.

Read More →
SponsoredFebruary 1, 2026

Reducing Fleet Downtime with Advanced Diagnostics

This white paper examines how advanced commercial vehicle diagnostics can significantly reduce fleet downtime as heavy duty vehicles become more complex. It shows how Autel’s CV diagnostic tools enable in-house troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and faster repairs, helping fleets cut emissions-related downtime, reduce dealer dependence, and improve overall vehicle uptime and operating costs.

Read More →
SponsoredFebruary 1, 2026

Stop Watching Footage, Start Driving Results

6 intelligent dashcam tactics to improve safety and boost ROI

Read More →
Ad Loading...
M&A illustration with Werner and FirstFleet logos
Fleet Managementby Deborah LockridgeJanuary 29, 2026

Werner Expands Dedicated Fleet Nearly 50% With FirstFleet Acquisition

The $283 million acquisition of FirstFleet makes Werner the fifth-largest dedicated carrier and pushes more than half of its revenue into contract freight.

Read More →
Bobit Business Media B2X Rewards.
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseJanuary 29, 2026

Bobit Business Media Launches B2X Rewards Engagement Program

B2X Rewards is a new, gamified rewards program aimed at driving deeper engagement across BBM’s digital platforms, newsletters, events, and TheFleetSource.com.

Read More →
Trucking Trends series graphic
Fleet Managementby Deborah LockridgeJanuary 29, 2026

AI is Reshaping Trucking in 2026, from the Back Office to the Shop

Trucking’s biggest technology shifts in 2026 have one thing in common: artificial intelligence.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Column graphic illustration with Deborah Lockridge head shot and a small fleet truck in the background
Fleet Managementby Deborah LockridgeJanuary 27, 2026

Why Small Trucking Fleets Are Still Standing [Commentary]

Why discipline, relationships, and focus have mattered more than size for smaller trucking fleets during the freight recession.

Read More →
Fleet Managementby Deborah LockridgeJanuary 23, 2026

Cargo Theft Is Surging. A Bill in Congress Could Help. [Video]

Cargo theft losses hit $725 million last year. In this HDT Talks Trucking Short Take video, Scott Cornell explains how a bill moving in Congress could bring federal tracking, enforcement, and prosecutions to help address the problem.

Read More →
CargoNet infographic showing 2025 cargo theft trends
Fleet Managementby Deborah LockridgeJanuary 22, 2026

Cargo Theft Losses Jump 60% in 2025 as Criminals Target Higher-Value Freight

Cargo theft activity across North America held relatively steady in 2025 — but the financial damage did not, as ever-more-sophisticated organized criminal groups shifted their cargo theft focus to higher-value shipments.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Phillips Connect -- McLeod smart trailer TMS.
Fleet ManagementJanuary 22, 2026

Phillips Connect, McLeod Integrate Smart Trailer Data into TMS Workflows

A new partnership between Phillips Connect and McLeod allows fleets to view trailer health, location, and cargo status inside the same McLeod workflows used for planning, dispatch, and execution.

Read More →