SproutinGeek: October 2008

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limb)

The HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limb) suit works by detecting faint bioelectrical signals using pads placed on specific areas of the body. The pads move the HAL suit accordingly. The cyberdyne website explains "When a person attempts to move, nerve signels are sent from the brain to the muscles via motoneurons , moving the musculoskeletal system as a consequence. At these time very weak biosignals can be dectected on the surface of the skin. HAL catches the signals through a sensor attached on the skin of the wearer. Baised on the signals obtained, the power unit is controlled to wearer's daily activities "

Overview of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence, otherwise known as AI, is the study and development of intelligent machines capable of performing complex tasks that require thought and behavior normally associated with human intelligence. Computer programs are a common area of specialization in this branch of science. Artificial Intelligence adapts characteristics of human problem-solving skills and then applies them as algorithms easily comprehended by computer systems. Such systems are routinely and widely used today by hospitals, corporations, militaries and homes around the world.Artificial Intelligence

Do computer programs have IQs?

No. IQ is based on the rates at which intelligence develops in children. It is the ratio of the age at which a child normally makes a certain score to the child's age. The scale is extended to adults in a suitable way. IQ correlates well with various measures of success or failure in life, but making computers that can score high on IQ tests would be weakly correlated with their usefulness. For example, the ability of a child to repeat back a long sequence of digits correlates well with other intellectual abilities, perhaps because it measures how much information the child can compute with at once. However, ``digit span'' is trivial for even extremely limited computers.
Ouestions and answers about AI

What is artificial intelligence??

It is the science and engineering of making intelligent machines, especially intelligent computer programs. It is related to the similar task of using computers to understand human intelligence, but AI does not have to confine itself to methods that are biologically observable.

Technological Singularity

The technological singularity is a theoretical future point of unprecedented technological progress, caused in part by the ability of machines to improve themselves using artificial intelligence

Transhumanism

Transhumanism
A term often used as a synonym for human enhancements is an international, intellectual and cultural movement supporting the use of science and techonology to enhance human mental and physical disabilities and and aptitudes and overcome what it regards as undesirable and unnecessary aspects of the human conditions, such as disability,suffering, desease, aging and involuntary death.

Transhumanism