A year ago, IBM has received funds to develop software that can simulate the human brain. This is quite a natural step in the evolution of such studies. Scientists have tried to simulate the brain of rats and other animals. The main problem was not even the fact that there is no complete clarity in the understanding of the brain of laboratory mice, for example. The lack of computing power – that’s a stumbling block. Today, researchers from leading computer firm believe that they have managed to make a significant step forward.
According to experts IBM, they were able to simulate the work area of the cerebral cortex of 1 billion neurons, with 10 trillion synaptic connections. In addition to the work used a new algorithm that is able to recreate the real processes and communication between neurons. Simply put, from mouse brain scientists managed to reach the cat’s brain.
The challenge before the scientists is immense. It is believed that the human brain contains 30 billion neurons, and the area of human cerebral cortex of about 2200 sq. see. For comparison, the cerebral cortex of rat, which also tried to recreate using the supercomputers, the area no more than standard postage stamp. In order to simulate the 100 thousand neurons in part of the cortex area of 1 square. mm and all of their communications – has required an enormous power of the computer. To implement part of the brain with 1 billion neurons specialists from IBM took a computer, in which 147 456 processors, 144 terabytes of memory. Maximum computing power system is 415.7 trillion floating point operations (implementation of such operations require more time than operations with integers). According to their parameters, the system for 11-a place among the most powerful computers in the world.
However, the speed and volume calculations for a system that can serve as a basis for the creation of artificial intelligence, only one of the issues. Processes of pattern recognition, information processing, originating from various channels of perception, decision-making requires further study and implementation. Meanwhile, the achievements of today – not just another step towards the creation of artificial intelligence. Handling the ever-increasing flow of information is becoming more difficult with each passing day. Availability of systems like the one developed at IBM, will help to cope with the analysis and solution of various problems of life today.
Researchers at other well-known companies – Intel approached the problem of processing, but rather to enter information into computer systems, it is the other side. They are trying to simulate the human brain, not creating artificial neurons on a silicon substrate, and want to simulate human brain activity at the level of wave processes. They are trying to decipher the characteristic signals of the brain during different activities and find a way to transfer them directly to your computer. This would, in their view, by 2020 to get rid of these attributes, such as a keyboard or computer mouse and surf the Internet with the help of mental effort.
Studies have shown that totally different people with the same external stimuli, brain activity diagrams are the same. This means that they can be correlated with certain images and transform into effect on the computer. This would require a brain implant chip that can interpret the brain signals and transmit them to the outside world. This so artificial telepathy.
Similar experiments with monkeys have already been held and were quite successful. American and Japanese scientists two years ago were able to connect to the brain of a monkey robot android. The specialist also from the University of Arizona, Charles Higgins was able to connect the robot to the brain and eyes moth and thus directed his movements.
One way or another, but the man persists in trying to expand the capabilities of its intelligence. This requires life. But whether this would be an artificial intelligence – time will tell.