Artificial intelligence, while not yet reached as a goal of computer science, will always exist as a possibility thanks to the undeniable convergence of humanity with technology. Defined in our reading as developing the logistics needed to allow computers systems to exhibit human intelligence AI is not far off.[1] While commonly dreamed up and referenced in popular culture and movies, artificial intelligence ultimately needs to encompass multiple different facets that exist in the established definition of human intelligence. Some excerpts of this include: learning from trial and error, determining what is vital, process or manipulation of symbols, and being creative.[1] These are all vital to the success of true artificial intelligence.
Although many would say we’re nearing the bridge to AI, things are actually proving to be a bit of a bigger journey than expected. The human brain, while compact in comparison to the worlds super computers, is elastically larger in the sense that it allows for computation and memory to become closely intertwined while doing so in a dynamic way.[2] A super computer named Watson, in order to beat every competitor at Jeopardy needed 16 terabytes of data storage, 90 powerful servers and a total of 2880 processor cores just to serve the purpose of answering game show questions with haste.[2] The shear size of this operation proves to a certain extent that conventional approaches towards AI are a bit far off. It is with the focus in innovation and taking design advice from the synaptic structure of the human brain that the next generation of computer chips are rising. IBM is working on just such a chip.[2]
While our book mentions Ray Kurzweil’s prediction that within 20 years we will see the emergence of the first AI[1], the truth is it may be sooner thanks to cognitive computing project in the works by DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency).[2] The exponential jump in technological research and development has sped up the process, but what could be the ultimate purpose of reaching this sci-fi goal? If we establish ever thinking and learning computers where would that take us? Perhaps we could integrate them into society in such a way that it would leave little detriment to the general populace. Having a member of a fire company for example that is immune to smoke inhalation or extreme temperatures could be an invaluable asset to saving lives. Military occupations will most likely be the first application goal of DARPA as most of their active and prior projects revolve around R&D for things such as the big dog (in conjunction with Boston Dynamics) and ArcLight weapon system.[3][4]
So in conclusion with AI a definite possibility in the next 10-15 years, its applications can be something to look forward too. Although it may seem a bit strange to have something out of a sci-fi film a possibility, the truth will always be that the resources needed to produce these artificially intelligent computers will elude us. Much like any other technological advancement the applications for day to day facilitation of dangerous and unwanted tasks could serve as a good proving ground for these sentient computers.
[1] Fundamentals of Information Systems by Ralph Stair and George Reynolds (pg.319) 6th Edition.
[2] http://io9.com/5832085/ibms-neurosynaptic-chips-are-the-closest-thing-to-a-synthetic-brain-yet
[3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DARPA#Active_projects
[4] Fundamentals of Information Systems by Ralph Stair and George Reynolds (pg.324) 6th Edition.
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