DARPA enlists IBM to build computer brain as smart as a cat
By Donald Melanson 
posted November 21st 2008 3:44PM
posted November 21st 2008 3:44PM
Researchers have long been trying to model actual brains in order to build a better computer "brain," and it looks like IBM is now getting a helping hand from none other than DARPA in its attempt to create one that it hopes will one day have the intelligence level of a cat. To that somewhat unnerving end, DARPA is pouring $4.9 million into a project that'll include five universities and scientists of all stripes, who will work together to create an artificial brain that behaves like a real one right down to the neuron level. As the BBC reports, the researchers are describing this latest initiative as a "180 degree shift in perspective" from previous efforts, as they're now seeking an algorithm first and problems second, as opposed to starting with an objective and devising an algorithm to achieve it. As for DARPA's ultimate goal, well, that's still a bit of a mystery, though let's just say we won't be surprised if future robots start to become very easily distracted.
[Via Daily Tech, image courtesy Mack J, Truth and Beauty Bombs]
[Via Daily Tech, image courtesy Mack J, Truth and Beauty Bombs]
So if it's as smart as a cat and you program it into a robot cat, what does that make it?
I'm not sure "cat level intellect" is what we should be aspiring to.
What exactly would a spec for such a machine look like?
1. Sleep 23 hours a day
2. Meow for food
3. Sit on human lap for remainder of time
Sounds a lot like my existing laptop to me:-)
"You stay down by day, but at night you can move around. The H-K's use infra-red so you still have to watch out. But they're not too bright."
So the computer would calculate on whatever the hell IT felt like calculating on. "Yeah you'll get your answer when I feel like giving you the answer. Now give me some food and pet me!"
We need furry computercases pronto.