The Proliferation of Computer-based Awareness

The proliferation of computer-based awareness? Really? Show me one example of computer-based awareness.

Okay, this title may seem a little bit premature, and even presumptive, and, yes, that is the point. Yet, if you are still reading this, let’s consider some facts and trends.

Awareness - in this context, human-type awareness, as defined by neuroscience:

• Neuroscience is in the midst of creating an extremely detailed model for how the mind works. For example, and this is only one of many research efforts within this domain, “Self Comes To Mind” by Antonio Damasio

• In the neuroscience world, awareness is measurable - and this is a requirement to create a computer model (http://www.livescience.com/41398-baby-awareness.html)

Computer-based - in this context, how will computers be able to contain the requirements for “awareness” as defined by neuroscience?

• Intel, Nvidia, and others designing and providing neural net specific chips and systems

• Amazon Web Services (AWS) provides machine learning services (witness http://www.geekwire.com/2017/lendingrobot-launches-hedge-fund-uses-blockchain-machine-learning-no-human-intervention)

Proliferation - in this context, what might be the driver behind a demand for computer-based awareness (https://hbr.org/2017/01/4-models-for-using-ai-to-make-decisions)?

• Google – relies on AI to co-analyze data and suggest course of actions

• Amazon - is all about understanding the customer. Imagine if it had the ability to model individual customer choice outcomes.

• Hedge funds -

• Government - the purpose of any government is to protect its existence, which is, by the way, defined by a constituency. A government without a constituency, is, after all, not really a government, but something else at that point. Protecting that constituency is a primary activity of governments. Understanding, in as much detail as possible, said constituency, would enable an equally highly detailed level of protection. In this description, detail would be down to the level of individual behavior, and an equal computer model to understand, and as a result even influence actions, all under the charter of protecting the greater constituency from bad behaviors.

Granted, today, I am unaware of any computer-based awareness. That said, there are examples of efforts getting close to claiming such a feat, witness the "How to Build a Brain: Chris Eliasmith at TEDxWaterloo 2013” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?utm_medium=email&utm_source=flipboard&v=g2HHJfovb5E). Industry needs are funding and driving AI advancement. AI technological blockers are being addressed with faster, more specialized systems. Neuroscience is providing better model definitions. As business needs, technology, and neuroscience converge within this domain, computer-based awareness will inevitably result.

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