Is it just me, or did Professor Cochrane not have the opportunity to write or proof read his own synopsis before it was posted on the University of Hertford web site? Additionally, the scientific accuracy of some of the statements made in the synopsis could be challenged e.g. the reference to "problems that are way beyond any biological brain"... Surely our biological brains are doing an increasingly good job of building more accurate weather models for forecasting and the modelling of 'climate sensitivity to mankind's inputs and behaviours' etc using increasinlgy large data sets, multidisciplned analysis and peer review, and multiple 'data ensembles' running on powerful modern computing engines - mostly designed and developed by 'biological brains' !!
It is certainly true to say that the raw data crunching power and computational speed of modern computers is far superior to any human brains but surely solving problems is something that we do well and we do fully embrace and we are quite good at - given appropriate conditions, support and resources?
Copy of University of Hertford website synopsis follows:
Synopsis: Why Robotic, AI, AL and Quantum Computing
It is not by accident that all these technologies appear to have come to prominence at almost the same time. They are all driven, and enabled, by the same hardware platforms using silicon chips with densities and performance that now rival many biological lifeforms. Their ability to support increasingly complex software has seen AI and robotics become major industrial and medical tools. At the same time, Artificial Life is being widely deployed in homes, offices, industry and hospitals, whilst Quantum Computing promises to be the next big man and machine enabler.
So why are these technologies so important? In short; they allow us to tackle and understand the most difficult problems facing our species. And all of these are complex, non-linear, with emergent properties that defy our mathematical and computing frameworks. Problems that are way beyond any biological brain include: protein folding; stem cell behaviours; drug interactions; the understanding of chemistry, biology, seismic activity, and weather systems, pollution and global warming; plus the creation of new materials, device, machine and building design.
At a fundamental level, it turns out that Robotics, Artificial Intelligent, Artificial Life, and Quantum Computing are essential for the creation of sustainable societies.
End - - - - - - - -
Notwithstanding the above, is there a copy of the text or video of the presentation, or maybe even some powerpoint sildes available for our post lecture edification that might enlighten my understanding of this very important subject?
