IBM has produced a new super computer called "Watson". This computer has a state-of-the-art artificial intelligence program. IBM's programmers tested Watson this week by making him a contestant on the quiz show "Jeopardy".
Watson was pitted against two of Jeopardy's biggest winners, Brad Rutter and Ken Jennings. Rutter won two of Jeopardy's biggest paying tournaments, and has won over three million dollars during his combined appearances. Jennings gained national fame in 2004 for winning 74 consecutive games, and earning a total of about $2.5 million.
This unusual game of Jeopardy was held at IBM's headquarters where the super computer was held. Watson, who was too large to be placed behind his studio podium, was represented by an avatar, which was hooked up to the main computer. The avatar resembled Hal from 2001: A Space Odyssey, and spoke in a manner similar to Stephen Hawking.
Monday's show was the first part of a three day challenge. This show featured the first round of a game, interspersed with information about how Watson came to be. Watson dominated the the first half of the round, with a $5,200 lead, ahead of Rutter's $1,000 and Jenning's $200. Watson faltered in the second half, getting stumped on several pop culture questions. Watson and Rutter were tied at the end of the first round with $5,000, and Jennings had $2,000.
I predict that Watson will win in the end. After this contest is over, it'll be interesting to see what other purposes Watson is used for. Here's a show recap from J-Archive.com.
And people wonder how Skynet comes to be...
ReplyDeleteGood post, I like your hyperlink at the end.