IBM to build brain-like computers

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around IBM's initiative to develop brain-like computers, specifically targeting the complexity of a cat's brain. Participants explore the implications, novelty, and skepticism surrounding this technological endeavor.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express skepticism about the excitement surrounding IBM's project, suggesting that they will believe it when they see tangible results or commercial implementation.
  • One participant, who works in the field, critiques the article for lacking substantive information, noting that it describes efforts similar to existing projects and questions the novelty of IBM's approach.
  • Another participant humorously comments on the idea of creating brain-like computers by referencing a personal affinity for cats and linking to a related article on technological singularity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not seem to reach a consensus; there are mixed feelings about the significance and novelty of IBM's project, with some expressing excitement and others skepticism.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of clarity on what makes IBM's project distinct from existing supercomputing efforts and the reliance on the information provided in the article, which some participants find inadequate.

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IBM to build brain-like computers
By Jason Palmer
Science and technology reporter, BBC News


The ultimate goal is to create a circuit with the complexity of a cat's brain :redface:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7740484.stm
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
Meh honestly this isn't something to be excited about. I'll believe it when i see it, or even better when its implemented commercially.
 
I work in this field and I'm pretty sure that this article doesn't actually say anything. They describe essentially the same kinds of things that lots of people are doing and say that they will do it on a Blue Gene... So what? There are already several other supercomputing collaborations to do this sort of thing. One to my knowledge is also trying to use a Blue Gene supercomputer in collaboration with IBM. At least from that news article, it isn't at all clear what is novel about this one.

That isn't to say that their project isn't interesting and novel. It very well might be. Just that, this article about it is pretty useless.
 

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