Self-correcting computers

Ever since mankind invented computers, we’ve been looking for ways to make them smarter.  Our motivation is, primarily, to alleviate the workload from ourselves, but there are also many other reasons for creating a computer that can make better decisions on its own.  A few people are putting some stuff together to make the dream of a smart computer into a reality, and they’re having some degree of success doing it.

One kind of improvement is what University College London has managed to put together.  It involves a computer that works in the ‘systemic’ pattern, running multiple processes at once so as to maximize efficiency.  This accelerated thought also allows the computer to deal with certain problems on its own, problems that current computers would need help with, such as a system crash.  Since the UCL computer has many processes running, if one flips out the others can help by rebooting whatever programs went wrong and correcting corrupted data. 

This particular design, when implemented properly, will be a great boon to computerized devices that, due to changes in their physical form, need to make constant adjustments to continue functioning.  Especially when UCL manages to complete its next phase of the systemic process, one that will allow the computer to rewrite its own code when needed.

Another ambitious project involves a billion-dollar project devoted to replicating the functions of the human brain using microchips.  By creating an electronic neural network of proportionate power to the brain, it will enable researchers to understand further the way a human brain functions as well as make deductions concerning how computers might be better outfitted to mimic those functions.

Of course, with all these advancements in computer thinking capacity, one does have to wonder how long it will take before the machines get so smart that they eventually take over the world.  How far can we go before we change position from master to servant?  Only time will tell, but you’d better pray the machines like us once they achieve self-awareness!

Digital Face graphic courtesy of weirdthings.com