Super Computer Versus Humans On Jeopardy
January 14, 2011 10:57 AM It’s man against machine and the winner is…Machine! A super IBM computer named Watson (named after the founder of IBM Thomas Watson) defeated Jeopardy game-show champions Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter in a practice round of a million dollar tournament to be televised February 14-18th.
The super computer is not just designed to rake in winnings on game-shows however. According to an article on CNNMoney.com,
IBM researchers say they avoided merely loading Watson up with countless databases because they want the technology to work for any person or company looking for quick answers.
David Ferrucci, IBM’s lead researcher on Watson, said in a question-and-answer session that the company sees huge potential in the health care area. Watson could help doctors more accurately diagnose patients, he suggested.
Other business applications include online self-service help desks, tourist information centers, customer hotlines and more, IBM says.
The winner of the televised match will be awarded $1 million. Watson says if it wins it will buy itself a new processor and put the rest into savings. (Actually IBM says it will donate the winnings to charity)
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