The primary purpose of machine learning in artificial intelligence is to enable systems to learn from data and improve their performance over time without explicit programming. Machine learning algorithms analyze data patterns, make predictions, and offer insights based on their learning experiences. This process empowers AI applications, such as image recognition, natural language processing, and recommendation systems, to adapt to new information, enhancing their accuracy and effectiveness. By harnessing vast amounts of data, machine learning drives advancements in automation and intelligent decision-making.