Cognitive computing involves developing computer systems that can think like a human brain by integrating technology and biology. It traces back to the 1950s, but the technology was limited until recent advances in cognitive science allowed for the development of neural networks. Intelligent computers are now being used in various industries, and researchers hope to gain a deeper understanding of the brain by replicating it in computer form.
Cognitive computing refers to the development of computer systems modeled on the human brain. Originally referred to as artificial intelligence, researchers began using the modern term in the 1990s to mean that the science was designed to teach computers to think like a human mind, rather than developing an artificial system. This type of computing integrates technology and biology in an effort to reengineer the brain into one of the most efficient and effective computers on Earth.
Cognitive computing traces its roots back to the 1950s when computer companies began developing intelligent computing systems. Most of these systems were limited, however, because they could not learn from their experiences. In the early days of AI it could be taught a number of parameters, but it was unable to make decisions on its own or intelligently analyze a situation and come up with a solution. Enthusiasm for the technology began to wane, as scientists feared that an intelligent computer could never be developed.
However, with major advances in cognitive science, researchers interested in computer intelligence have become excited. A deeper biological understanding of how the brain works has allowed scientists to build computer systems modeled after the mind and, more importantly, to build a computer that can integrate past experiences into its system. Cognitive computing was reborn, with researchers in the early 21st century developing computers that ran faster than the human brain.
Cognitive computing integrates the idea of a neural network, a series of events and experiences that the computer organizes to make decisions. The neural network contributes to the computer’s body of knowledge about a situation and allows it to make an informed choice and potentially work around an obstacle or problem. The researchers argue that the brain is a type of machine and can therefore potentially be replicated. The development of neural networks was a big step in this direction.
As the body of knowledge about the brain grows and scientists experiment more and more with cognitive computation, the result is intelligent computers. Smart computers that can recognize and act on voice commands, for example, are used in many business telephone systems. Cognitive computing is also used in many navigation systems aboard aircraft and boats, and while these systems often cannot handle crises, they can keep the vessel running under normal conditions.
In the early 21st century, many researchers believed that cognitive computing held the hope of a near future. By replicating the human brain in computer form, researchers hope to improve conditions for humans and gain a deeper understanding of the biological reactions that fuel the brain. Computers capable of reasoning were beginning to emerge in the late 1990s, with hopes for consciousness following.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
