Artificial speech systems will 'humanize' our machines

By Dick Pelletier

      

    Imagine a TV, cell phone, or computer that not only understands what you say, but will act on it; one that actually learns through experience and knows you well enough to anticipate your needs.

    Now further imagine that this voice-interactive device will appear as an on-screen image resembling your favorite celebrity or loved one. On command, it will materialize on your computer, cell phone and TV displays addressing you by name and asking, "How can I help you?"

    Poised at the cutting edge of this futuristic technology, Fair Isaac's Robert Hecht-Nielsen announced at a recent IBM conference, "Mapping, Understanding and Replicating the Brain in Electronic Systems," that his company is developing a machine called Chancellor that could one day bring the vision of true conversational machines to reality.

    "We see Chancellor as a small, cylindrical device, several of which can be placed around the home," says Hecht-Nielsen. The Internet-connected machine will answer phones, make appointments for family members, and become a portal to the world of automated commerce.

    Unlike most artificial intelligence systems, the Fair Isaac machine does not use algorithms or software, or adhere to standard grammar rules. Instead, it utilizes computer simulations of brain tissues which enable it to process information and acquire knowledge similar to the way that we do; and it communicates using perfect human speech.

    Jeff Hawkins, author of the popular book, On Intelligence, was also at the conference to promote his latest startup, Numenta. The Menlo Park firm is trying to create a new type of computer memory system that recognizes patterns and trains itself, mimicking functions of the human brain, which some say, could make synthetic speech systems more intelligent.

    Microsoft's Bill Gates recently stated that voice-enabled technologies will soon allow us to converse naturally and comfortably direct with computers and TVs, reducing the need for mouse, keyboard, and remote controls. In addition, tomorrow's advanced machines will browse the Internet, search for stuff that interests us, and unravel our future TV channel maze.

    By 2015, increases in processor speed will give interactive voice systems the mind of a 6-year-old child, showing unmistakable signs of creativity. By 2020, millions of systems will form a huge connected network; learning from each other, acting more human-like while shielding us from cyber-fraud and other harmful activities.

    By mid-2020s, holographic and nano-sensory breakthroughs will allow our digital images to jump off the screen and become real-life touchable holograms appearing on command, anywhere, anytime. By 2030, armed with camera eyes and enhanced intelligence, these 'humanized' systems could become a powerful security force, protecting our homes from intruders, and alerting doctors to our body's medical needs.

    How advanced might these systems become? Henry Markram, Director of IBM's Blue Brain Project, announced that they are 10 years away from creating a functional artificial human brain. Many experts believe this achievement will enable scientists to program 'humanness' into our digital wonders and raise their intelligence levels to equal ours.

    Today, we build machines to serve us. Tomorrow, although they are unlikely to rise and take over the world as some suggest, they will become increasingly indispensable in our everyday lives. Welcome to the amazing futuristic world of humanoid robots.

This article appeared in various print publications and on-line blogs. Comments always welcome.