New IBM “Cognitive” Computers

Remember recalling the characteristics that differentiated humans from computers? Like awareness, structure, cognition, perception, learning, and semantic ability of the human brain? Well, thanks to IBM, those characteristics are no longer differences. Thanks to IBM, we now have new computers that function exactly like humans, human “cognitive” computers!

IBM just developed computer chips known as “cognitive” computers that mimic the human brain. Through nanoscience and neuroscience principles, these “cognitive” computers can now think, learn, correlate, hypothesize, and adapt, just like the human brain. They will be able to acquire knowledge, as opposed to information, and think, as opposed to process. Certain characteristics, frightening characteristics, of the “cognitive” computer include self-awareness and understanding.

Because “cognitive” computers differ from today’s computers, they will function differently. Today’s computers work through human input and programming; in that sense, today’s computers are limited in input and information because humans cannot program computers to know everything. On the other hand, “cognitive” computers will not work through programming, but through a learning system, which will allow the computer to gain knowledge (not information) on its own. Another frightening, but amazing, characteristic is the human-like structure of human senses, including sight, touch, speech, and sound.

Here’s an example portraying the difference between functionality of both computers. In order for today’s computer to determine whether something is red, a human would have to program it to do so, to basically input that information into the computer’s memory. However, Roger Kay, founder and principle of Endpoint Technologies, stated that a “Cognitive computer”, which would have been hooked up to inputs and outputs that mimic human sensors, inputs mimicking the computers’ eyes and ears, and outputs mimicking the computers’ hands and mouths, depends on its sensors to see the color red. When the “cognitive” computer comes in contact with a red object, its “eye sensor” will cause a neuronal reaction– exactly like a human—that will cause it to respond “I have red.” Also, instead of just responses, the “cognitive” computer will be able to ask questions.

I recall a time when computers could not replace humans because – although they mastered the left-brain human capabilities– they lacked the right-brain human capabilities. However, IBM has proved that untrue. With these new “cognitive” computers, no differences remain between the human brain and the computer. As much as that concept fascinates me, I fear that concept brings us closer to the notion that computers will replace humans.

What would prevent a corporation from replacing their human capital with “cognitive” computers, especially if they were more efficient and cost-effective? That seems to be the only way of keeping your business running profitably in such competitive markets? And corporations seem to be getting more and more competitive.

And with right-brain qualities, “cognitive” computers will be able to creatively design and solve problems. They may overtake the human brain capacity and invent things that outweigh human designs and solutions. The pros are definitely endless, especially if “cognitive” computers end up solving problems that humans spent years trying to solve, but so are the cons of no longer requiring human qualities that kept humans attractive until now.

Source:

http://www.technewsworld.com/story/73104.html