The goal of artificial intelligence is to create intelligent machines that can perform tasks without human intervention. AI is primarily achieved by reverse-engineering human capabilities and traits and applying them to machines. The essential goals of AI are as follows:

1. Develop problem-solving ability: AI research is focused on developing efficient problem-solving algorithms that can make logical deductions and simulate human reasoning while solving complex puzzles.

2. Natural Language Processing (NLP): AI aims to develop systems that can understand and interpret human language, enabling machines to communicate with humans more effectively.

3. Facilitate Planning: AI systems offer methods to deal with uncertain situations or handle the incomplete information conundrum by employing probability theory.

4. Fostering Creativity and Innovation: AI promotes creativity and artificial thinking that can help humans accomplish tasks better. AI can churn through vast volumes of data, consider options and alternatives, and develop creative paths or opportunities for us to progress.

5. Improve Decision Making: One of the central aims of AI is to develop systems that can analyze large datasets, identify patterns, and make data-driven decisions.

6. Enhance the speed, precision, and effectiveness of human efforts: AI can be used to automate frequent, high-volume, computerized tasks, and it does so reliably and without fatigue.

7. Solve specific problems: Some researchers argue that the goal of AI should be to solve specific problems rather than create a generalized intelligence. In this case, AI is developed to perform specific tasks, such as recognizing speech or playing chess, rather than achieving human-like intelligence.

In summary, the primary goal of AI is to design a technology that enables computer systems to work intelligently yet independently, simulating human-like intelligence in machines.