An artificial mind of its own

As the search goes on for signs of intelligent life in outer space we are attempting to create faint signs of life, of an artificial kind, on planet Earth. Artificial intelligence, or AI, as it is sometimes known, is loosely defined as producing machines that think in the same way as humans with the ability to learn and act on that knowledge.

So how long will it be before artificial intelligence becomes a match for the human brain? The fact that computers can only be as smart as the humans that programmed them is not strictly true. Computers have long been outperforming humans, with microprocessors processing many more thoughts per second - compared to the human equivalent - the brain cell. A I, however, has yet to imitate all of our complex thought processes. For a start A I, doesn't have the capacity to think creatively - write music, paint pictures, or write this article, for example. When it is able to paint, for instance, the question of its ability will be much disputed as is often the case of abstract painters today.

We develop intelligence over a number of years - it is part of the learning process. The ability to learn is one such area the makers of AIBO a robot dog from Sony, priced at £1500, have come a long way to master. AIBO is one of the most advanced 'toy robots' available on the commercial market. It incorporates advanced sensors that allow it to adapt to the environment around it and learn from its experiences. From the moment it is taken out of its box, AIBO is like a new born baby - very unsteady on its feet and attempting to learn how to walk. However it soon picks it up and is able to do several impressive tricks. 18 motors distributed around its body help it to sit, stretch and crawl. If it happens to fall over, the acceleration sensor is there to help regain its balance.

Another way the robot learns is through praise or scolding from its owner. The act of touching its head is interpreted as praise, whereas a brief slap is recognised by AIBO as something it has done wrong. Using an advanced built in colour video camera it can memorise and recognise objects, places, people etc. For instance if you scold AIBO for going near cats it will realise that it shouldn't go near them. In time, it will develop a disliking them and may be inclined to bark. The makers claim that given enough interaction with humans and various environments it will gradually develop from a toddler into an adult.

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