Some citizens are very concerned about invasion of privacy and I believe the futurescape of cognitive computing outlined by IBM might greatly concern them. Personally, I am fascinated by new technology and the possibilities it opens up. Fast CoExist.com’s Leah Hunter explains how IBM researchers believe that everything will learn – education, retail, healthcare and security. Ms. Hunter quotes the head of research at IBM, Dr. Bernard Meyerson, IBM Fellow, and Vice President of Innovation: “You literally change the future. It’s not science fiction. We can do that. If we can do it in something like traffic flow, believe me, we’ll eventually be doing it in medicine, and we’ll be doing it in many aspects of life.”
I encourage you to step back from worrying about how government or technology might “invade” our personal existence and space and explore this thinking.
Computer defeats Humans in Jeopardy challenge
IBM’s 5 in 5 expands thinking for future models of everyday functions and experiences. IBM says the super computer Watson showed that a new type of computing system was emerging and it could learn, reason and understand simple language. Cognitive computer systems will change the way people interact with computers and help them increase expertise across fields.
Cognitive computers are helping researchers and educators collect and analyze data to help with more personalized education to improve student learning. The computers will analyze your online traffic to personalize your security needs and give you warnings. Retailers will engage consumers with personalization so that if you shop in the store, you are directed in the store to the aisle containing products you want; and may provide instant gratification by getting the product in your hands the same day you purchased it online. Wouldn’t it be nice if mass transportation was altered by citizen needs? Crowd sourcing data can also help disabled persons to more easily get around in the city. Medicine can be influenced, improved and personalized also with cognitive analyses by Watson-like computing.
Ever heard of a “mark sensing” machine?
When I first began working it was in the day of huge computers in air conditioned computer rooms, and many office machines were IBM machines. I think it is great that IBM reinvented itself to offer innovative computer ideas and solutions, as well as consulting services.
We already use cloud computing at work, online teleconferences and meetings, and numerous electronic devices. How could your company use crowdsourcing to help with your commute; mobile devices and sensor data to make your building “smart;” and cognitive computer models to better train employees and managers?
