This report outlines a new methodology and provides a first exploratory analysis of technologies and applications that are at the core of recent advances in AI. Using AI-related keywords and technology classes, the study identifies AI-related patents protected in the United States in 2000-18. Among those, “core” AI patents are selected based on their counts of AI-related forward citations. The analysis finds that, compared to other (AI and non-AI) patents, they are more original and general, and tend to be broader in technological scope. Technologies related to general AI, robotics, computer/image vision and recognition/detection are consistently listed among core AI patents, with autonomous driving and deep learning having recently become more prominent. Finally, core AI patents tend to spur innovation across AI-related domains, although some technologies – likely AI applications, such as autonomous driving or robotics – appear to increasingly contribute to developments in their own field.
What technologies are at the core of AI?
An exploration based on patent data
Working paper
OECD Artificial Intelligence Papers
![](/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--de8bc2af-f6d6-4d71-a1d8-de074567ee00/26.png?quality=80&preferwebp=true)
Share
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Abstract
In the same series
-
14 August 2024