Ai bases its approach to creating real artificial intelligence on a solid philosophical basis. Rather than keeping our philosophy in the realm of theory, we apply it to our entire working process.
Ai’s applied philosophy is drawn from branches of the philosophy of language, logic, and radical behaviorism. It is built on four founding principles which guide our approach.
The first principle is that intelligence is in the eyes of the beholder. This means that there is no way to tell whether someone, or something, is intelligent, other than by making a subjective judgment based on observable behavior.
The second principle is that the most salient behavior that demonstrates intelligence is language, or more specifically conversational skills – the ability to interact in an "intelligent" manner with the observer.
The third principle is that this ability to use language, to converse, is a skill that can be acquired like any other skill.
Fourth, we believe that like the development of any skill, the ability to converse can only develop if a strict developmental process is followed.
A careful reading of Alan Turing’s paper "Computing Machinery and Intelligence" shows that Turing - the father of modern computing and artificial intelligence - based his approach to creating a "child machine" on the same four principles.
Subjective Intelligence
Intelligence is in the eyes of the beholder. Therefor, a machine that through conversation can fool a human into believing that it is human, must be deemed intelligent.
Language
Intelligence is measured through the social use of language. If a machine can generate language which accurately simulates the way people use language, it is fair to call that machine "intelligent".
Skill
Language has nothing to do with any type of knowledge base or rules; it is a skill that can be learned through a system of punishments and rewards.
Development
The acquisition of conversational skills has to go through an incremental developmental process. This developmental approach to learning language is the only way to create machine intelligence.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
The Child Machine
Hal, like any 18-month old baby, is learning the rudiments of speech. He talks about red balls and blue balls, knows his Mommy and Daddy, and likes to go to the park. A child development specialist was given transcripts of Hal's conversations with his caretakers and declared him a healthy, normal little boy. What she wasn't told is that Hal is a computer program running on a regular Windows PC.
Ai uses behaviorist principles to teach our child machine - nicknamed Hal - to hold a conversation. Our approach was outlined by the computing theory pioneer Alan Turing in his 1950 article Computing Machinery and Intelligence. Turing viewed language as the defining element of intelligence; he believed that by giving a machine the capacity to learn, and a willingness to ask questions, you could "raise" an intelligence, an entity capable of rational, engaging conversation.
Education
Learn how Hal is being educated, and read about his training process.
State of Mind
The Ai child machine is built on a statistical model of language, coupled with advanced learning algorithms.
First Words
HAL is developed to meet basic human language development milestones. Look inside to find out what HAL's talking about.
Ai uses behaviorist principles to teach our child machine - nicknamed Hal - to hold a conversation. Our approach was outlined by the computing theory pioneer Alan Turing in his 1950 article Computing Machinery and Intelligence. Turing viewed language as the defining element of intelligence; he believed that by giving a machine the capacity to learn, and a willingness to ask questions, you could "raise" an intelligence, an entity capable of rational, engaging conversation.
Education
Learn how Hal is being educated, and read about his training process.
State of Mind
The Ai child machine is built on a statistical model of language, coupled with advanced learning algorithms.
First Words
HAL is developed to meet basic human language development milestones. Look inside to find out what HAL's talking about.
Research plan (Artifical Intelligence)
Ai has developed a research program aimed at true artificial intelligence - allowing people to converse with their computers in everyday language.
In teaching a computer to use language, Ai takes a scheduled, developmental approach, applying the behaviorist model of learning.
Our research plan is based on an iterative cycle, designed to improve the language skills of the system with each software update ("brain upgrade"). The developmental milestones we set for our child machine are based on human language-use milestones, with progress being evaluated by experts in child development
Applying the principles of behaviorism, we teach language to the child-machine through a system of rewards and punishments. The child-machine thus learns to use language, rather than having language built into it. Subjective Intelligence Related Article
At the Ai research facility, trainers converse with the machine, engaging it in conversation and monitoring its progress. The trainers test the limits of the child-machine's intelligence, and share their assessments with the algorithm developers. The developers consequently update and adapt the child-machine's algorithm, or "brain", making it more "human" in its language capability. Every so often, a new version of the brain is handed to the trainers, and the process repeats.
As the trainer works with the child machine, he or she frequently reports back to the developers on its progress. Our metric for success is clearly defined as "the language capability of a human of a defined age." For the first several iterations of the child machine, we sought to have the child machine speak at the same developmental level as a 15-month old. Now we are working on raising the child to 18 months. The actual time spent training the child does not correspond to its age; rather, these measurements of linguistic ability are standard, accepted guidelines for determining if a child is making linguistic progress or not.
In teaching a computer to use language, Ai takes a scheduled, developmental approach, applying the behaviorist model of learning.
Our research plan is based on an iterative cycle, designed to improve the language skills of the system with each software update ("brain upgrade"). The developmental milestones we set for our child machine are based on human language-use milestones, with progress being evaluated by experts in child development
Applying the principles of behaviorism, we teach language to the child-machine through a system of rewards and punishments. The child-machine thus learns to use language, rather than having language built into it. Subjective Intelligence Related Article
At the Ai research facility, trainers converse with the machine, engaging it in conversation and monitoring its progress. The trainers test the limits of the child-machine's intelligence, and share their assessments with the algorithm developers. The developers consequently update and adapt the child-machine's algorithm, or "brain", making it more "human" in its language capability. Every so often, a new version of the brain is handed to the trainers, and the process repeats.
As the trainer works with the child machine, he or she frequently reports back to the developers on its progress. Our metric for success is clearly defined as "the language capability of a human of a defined age." For the first several iterations of the child machine, we sought to have the child machine speak at the same developmental level as a 15-month old. Now we are working on raising the child to 18 months. The actual time spent training the child does not correspond to its age; rather, these measurements of linguistic ability are standard, accepted guidelines for determining if a child is making linguistic progress or not.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Theory (Artificial Intelligence)
Instead of trying to produce a programme to simulate the adult mind, why not rather try to produce one which simulates the child's? If this were then subjected to an appropriate course of education one would obtain the adult brain. -- Alan Turing, 1950
At Ai, we're raising a child machine from infancy to adulthood - thus bringing Turing's vision to fruition - and creating entirely new approaches to machine learning. In our research, we take a strong behaviorist approach, meaning that we work from the principle that language is a skill, not simply the output of brain functions, and, therefore, can be learned. The research was initially led by Jason Hutchens, a world-renowned chatbot developer and winner of the Loebner Prize in Artificial Intelligence, and Dr. Anat Treister-Goren, an award-winning neurolinguist.
At Ai, we're raising a child machine from infancy to adulthood - thus bringing Turing's vision to fruition - and creating entirely new approaches to machine learning. In our research, we take a strong behaviorist approach, meaning that we work from the principle that language is a skill, not simply the output of brain functions, and, therefore, can be learned. The research was initially led by Jason Hutchens, a world-renowned chatbot developer and winner of the Loebner Prize in Artificial Intelligence, and Dr. Anat Treister-Goren, an award-winning neurolinguist.
Friday, August 13, 2010
More on Sixth Sence Technology
Ever since computers began to be a part of mankind, their evolution has been taking place at break neck speed. And now we are about to witness the power of computing and on demand information just like the Sci-fi thrillers of Hollywood have portrayed for many years. Sixth Sense Technology is one such recent invention which aims to blend in the boundaries between the virtual and the real world. The mastermind behind this futuristic technology is Pranav Mistry, a designer whiz kid.
Developmental Stages
The idea behind this technology is to simplify day-to-day tasks and integrate them with the virtual world. This technology was born with the simple modification of a ball mouse into a motion sensing device. The axial rollers found in the ball mouse were used to replicate the gestures made with hand on the computer. The much-loved sticky notes were also implemented with this, one exception being that our scribble work on them would be directly synchronized with the computer or a scheduling device which can also be organized effortlessly.
With the virtual interaction in place, the next obvious step was to bring in instant information to the user. Sixth sense technology is set to redefine the way information can be searched for. The information could be accessed by merely placing the object of interest on the interactive plane without even having to GOOGLE it! So to check your flight schedule, all that you have to do is place your ticket on the interactive surface and watch in awe as you are flooded with the details.
Device Set Up
The Sixth sense device is a complete surprise package when it comes to its functionality and hardware. Just as the device simplifies human craving for information, it simplifies the way you interact with it. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to be absolutely at ease operating it. The device has a portable camera, projector and few color markers stuck onto the fingers for gesture tracking.
The big plus of this device is that you need not carry a monitor display with you wherever you go. Rather you can magically turn any surface of your choice into a virtual screen and start interacting with the projected information. The device is a network enabled module which allows you to access the internet, cruise through maps when you are stuck in a tour, check your mails and also doubles up as your virtual mobile phone.
Availability
If you think this technology is confined to your dreams and would cost a bomb, then its time you get ready to be blown away. Because it would come as cheap as $350 in its compact and stylish pendant avatar! If this isn’t a reason to smile, then you will be happier to know that this technology boasts of an open source software. So all you need is the basic hardware in place, a techno savvy mind and passion for cool gadgets to put together your own sixth sense device and experience the power of the digital world on the go.
Sixth sense Vs Microsoft Digital Surface
The other recent development which introduced the multi-touch functionality and gesture interpretation technology is the Microsoft Surface from the computer technology giants, the Microsoft Corporation. But Pranav Mistry’s invention wins hands down with respect to the Microsoft Surface because of its down to earth price, portability, and mass popularity. Pranav Mistry and his mentor Pattie Maes got rave reviews for their presentations in the Ted conferences held at India and USA respectively. Moreover the Microsoft Surface is aimed at the commercial market with only a few ready to experiment with it considering the huge investment involved.
Thus Sixth Sense Technology is one fuss free device which is set to bless mankind with an extra sense in spite of the individual’s spiritual status. So let us all gear up to explore the world around us Virtually!
Developmental Stages
The idea behind this technology is to simplify day-to-day tasks and integrate them with the virtual world. This technology was born with the simple modification of a ball mouse into a motion sensing device. The axial rollers found in the ball mouse were used to replicate the gestures made with hand on the computer. The much-loved sticky notes were also implemented with this, one exception being that our scribble work on them would be directly synchronized with the computer or a scheduling device which can also be organized effortlessly.
With the virtual interaction in place, the next obvious step was to bring in instant information to the user. Sixth sense technology is set to redefine the way information can be searched for. The information could be accessed by merely placing the object of interest on the interactive plane without even having to GOOGLE it! So to check your flight schedule, all that you have to do is place your ticket on the interactive surface and watch in awe as you are flooded with the details.
Device Set Up
The Sixth sense device is a complete surprise package when it comes to its functionality and hardware. Just as the device simplifies human craving for information, it simplifies the way you interact with it. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to be absolutely at ease operating it. The device has a portable camera, projector and few color markers stuck onto the fingers for gesture tracking.
The big plus of this device is that you need not carry a monitor display with you wherever you go. Rather you can magically turn any surface of your choice into a virtual screen and start interacting with the projected information. The device is a network enabled module which allows you to access the internet, cruise through maps when you are stuck in a tour, check your mails and also doubles up as your virtual mobile phone.
Availability
If you think this technology is confined to your dreams and would cost a bomb, then its time you get ready to be blown away. Because it would come as cheap as $350 in its compact and stylish pendant avatar! If this isn’t a reason to smile, then you will be happier to know that this technology boasts of an open source software. So all you need is the basic hardware in place, a techno savvy mind and passion for cool gadgets to put together your own sixth sense device and experience the power of the digital world on the go.
Sixth sense Vs Microsoft Digital Surface
The other recent development which introduced the multi-touch functionality and gesture interpretation technology is the Microsoft Surface from the computer technology giants, the Microsoft Corporation. But Pranav Mistry’s invention wins hands down with respect to the Microsoft Surface because of its down to earth price, portability, and mass popularity. Pranav Mistry and his mentor Pattie Maes got rave reviews for their presentations in the Ted conferences held at India and USA respectively. Moreover the Microsoft Surface is aimed at the commercial market with only a few ready to experiment with it considering the huge investment involved.
Thus Sixth Sense Technology is one fuss free device which is set to bless mankind with an extra sense in spite of the individual’s spiritual status. So let us all gear up to explore the world around us Virtually!
Monday, August 9, 2010
DNA ‘Spider’ Robot Collects Nanoparticles!
A DNA spider follows a path on a DNA origami scaffold towards the red-labeled goal.
Wow! Scientists are one step closer to creating molecular robots that may eventually perform very complex tasks, such as building nanomolecules… or delivering drugs to targeted diseased tissues. They have constructed DNA-based robots that can walk along a specific path, unaided, or, collect various nanoparticles along an assembly line. This news is from two studies published in Nature few month ago.
Wow! Scientists are one step closer to creating molecular robots that may eventually perform very complex tasks, such as building nanomolecules… or delivering drugs to targeted diseased tissues. They have constructed DNA-based robots that can walk along a specific path, unaided, or, collect various nanoparticles along an assembly line. This news is from two studies published in Nature few month ago.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
The Sixth Sense Technology....
All of us are aware of the five basic senses – seeing, feeling, smelling, tasting and hearing. But there is also another sense called the sixth sense. It is basically a connection to something greater than what their physical senses are able to perceive. To a layman, it would be something supernatural. Some might just consider it to be a superstition or something psychological. But the invention of sixth sense technology has completely shocked the world. Although it is not widely known as of now but the time is not far when this technology will change our perception of the world.
Pranav Mistry, 28 year old, of Indian origin is the mastermind behind the sixth sense technology. He invented ‘ Sixth Sense / WUW ( Wear UR World) ‘ which is a wearable gestural , user friendly interface which links the physical world around us with digital information and uses hand gestures to interact with them. He is a PhD student at MIT and he won the ‘Invention of the Year 2009 ‘- by Popular Science. The device sees what we see but it lets out information that we want to know while viewing the object. It can project information on any surface, be it a wall, table or any other object and uses hand / arm movements to help us interact with the projected information. The device brings us closer to reality and assists us in making right decisions by providing the relevant information, thereby, making the entire world a computer.
The Sixth Sense prototype consists of a pocket projector, mirror and a camera. The device is pendant shaped like mobile wearing devices. Both the projector and the camera are connected to the mobile computing device in the user’s pocket. The projector projects visual information enabling surfaces, walls and physical objects around us to be used as interfaces; while the camera recognizes and tracks user’s hand gestures and physical objects using computer-vision based techniques. The software program processes the video stream data captured by the camera and tracks the locations of the colored markers (visual tracking fiducials) at the tip of the user’s fingers using simple computer-vision techniques. It also supports multi touch and multi user interaction.
The device has a huge number of applications. Firstly, it is portable and easily to carry as you can wear it in your neck. The drawing application lets user draw on any surface by observing the movement of index finger. Mapping can also be done anywhere with the features of zooming in or zooming out. The camera also helps user to take pictures of the scene he is viewing and later he can arrange them on any surface. That’s not it. Some of the more practical uses are reading a newspaper. Imagine reading a newspaper and viewing videos instead of the photos in the paper. Or live sports updates while reading the newspaper. The device can also tell you arrival, departure or delay time of your air plane on your tickets. For book lovers it is nothing less than a blessing. Open any book and you will find the Amazon ratings of the book. To add to it, pick any page and the device gives additional information on the text, comments and lot more add on features. While picking up any good at the grocery store, the user can get to know whether the product is eco friendly or not. To know the time, all one has to do is to just gesture drawing circle on the wrist and there appears a wrist watch. The device serves the purpose of a computer plus saves time spent on searching information. Currently the prototype of the device costs around $350 to build. Still more work is being done on the device and when fully developed, it will definitely revolutionize the world.
Pranav Mistry, 28 year old, of Indian origin is the mastermind behind the sixth sense technology. He invented ‘ Sixth Sense / WUW ( Wear UR World) ‘ which is a wearable gestural , user friendly interface which links the physical world around us with digital information and uses hand gestures to interact with them. He is a PhD student at MIT and he won the ‘Invention of the Year 2009 ‘- by Popular Science. The device sees what we see but it lets out information that we want to know while viewing the object. It can project information on any surface, be it a wall, table or any other object and uses hand / arm movements to help us interact with the projected information. The device brings us closer to reality and assists us in making right decisions by providing the relevant information, thereby, making the entire world a computer.
The Sixth Sense prototype consists of a pocket projector, mirror and a camera. The device is pendant shaped like mobile wearing devices. Both the projector and the camera are connected to the mobile computing device in the user’s pocket. The projector projects visual information enabling surfaces, walls and physical objects around us to be used as interfaces; while the camera recognizes and tracks user’s hand gestures and physical objects using computer-vision based techniques. The software program processes the video stream data captured by the camera and tracks the locations of the colored markers (visual tracking fiducials) at the tip of the user’s fingers using simple computer-vision techniques. It also supports multi touch and multi user interaction.
The device has a huge number of applications. Firstly, it is portable and easily to carry as you can wear it in your neck. The drawing application lets user draw on any surface by observing the movement of index finger. Mapping can also be done anywhere with the features of zooming in or zooming out. The camera also helps user to take pictures of the scene he is viewing and later he can arrange them on any surface. That’s not it. Some of the more practical uses are reading a newspaper. Imagine reading a newspaper and viewing videos instead of the photos in the paper. Or live sports updates while reading the newspaper. The device can also tell you arrival, departure or delay time of your air plane on your tickets. For book lovers it is nothing less than a blessing. Open any book and you will find the Amazon ratings of the book. To add to it, pick any page and the device gives additional information on the text, comments and lot more add on features. While picking up any good at the grocery store, the user can get to know whether the product is eco friendly or not. To know the time, all one has to do is to just gesture drawing circle on the wrist and there appears a wrist watch. The device serves the purpose of a computer plus saves time spent on searching information. Currently the prototype of the device costs around $350 to build. Still more work is being done on the device and when fully developed, it will definitely revolutionize the world.
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