What term refers to a machine's capability of performing cognitive tasks at human or superhuman levels?

The term that refers to a machine's capability of performing cognitive tasks at human or superhuman levels is artificial general intelligence (AGI). AGI is designed to understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a wide range of tasks, similar to how a human would. It aims to replicate the full spectrum of human cognitive abilities, which includes reasoning, problem-solving, and understanding complex concepts.

Distinguishing AGI from other related concepts is crucial for understanding its significance. For example, artificial intelligence (AI) broadly encompasses any system or machine that can perform tasks typically associated with human intelligence, but does not necessarily achieve the level of generality found in AGI. Meanwhile, machine learning (ML) is a subset of AI focused on the ability of machines to learn from data without being explicitly programmed, but it does not imply a generality across cognitive tasks. Cognitive computing refers to systems that simulate human thought processes in a limited context, often using AI and ML techniques, but again, it lacks the all-encompassing capability of AGI. Thus, AGI is the most precise term for machines capable of performing cognitive tasks at levels comparable to or exceeding human ability across various domains.