Cognitive computing marches toward a goal of a brain-like computer. As IBM Research suggests, cognitive computing systems “sense, predict, infer and, in some ways, think.” GigaOM published a nice overview today of the work and goals of IBM and DARPA.
The latest work between IBM and DARPA involves a project entitled the Systems of Neuromorphic Adaptive Plastic Scalable Electronics (SyNAPSE) program.
The initial phase of SyNAPSE developed nanometer-scale electronic synaptic components capable of adapting connection strength between two neurons in a manner analogous to that seen in biological systems and simulated the utility of these synaptic components in core microcircuits that support the overall system architecture.
What does this mean for you and I?
Students should be focused on a multidisciplinary approach: biology, chemistry, physics, math, and engineering will only get a student so far along the path of cognitive computing. Ethics, history, and communicating the direction of research will also be valuable to our society. Just because we can build it doesn’t mean it should be done.
Teachers should be focused on presenting the latest technology. Don’t wait for professional development. Instead, seek out experts and read their work. Find discussion sites and read. Start asking questions and embrace the future.
What does this mean for an immediate impact on society?
Educational systems must change to embrace multidisciplinary approaches. Discreet subject level matter is not as relevant as a learner builds relationships between disciplines. After all, Charles Darwin read an economics book and related the work to biology. Future research will connect plant chemical production to similar processes (eg. cancer research). Future computer hardware will borrow the physics of a human brain as well as other human body parts.
Imagine the future: cognitive computing. Are you ready?