Part 72 Thinking Computers
Begin 1980s, the US Military and NASA look into high performance Computers, not only in calculation power, but also able in „independent decision making“.
Either as Space probe computer or main computer on Orbital defence Platform or on manned spacecrafts.
What started as advance Computers development became over time arm-race for Artificial Intelligence !
During early 1980s they look into way to make better computers
This began with development of IBM computer specialised in Chess using Heuristic Analytical Logic (HAL), Based on EURISKO develop by Douglas Lenat at Stanford University.
the IBM S9000HAL could play very good chess even beat humans.
Until World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov heard about S9000HAL and accept an invitation by IBM to play against the computer in New York.
Kasparov, who has obsession to play agains Chess computers, was confident he would win against HAL in six Game.
He won first easy but other five became harder and harder until finally S9000HAL won !
Kasparov claimed he was not well prepared, the rematch was won by S9000HAL again.
The Media hype this „Machine vs. Man“, despite it was only a computer that had learned to play Chess very efficient.
The Soviet having there World Chess Champion loosing to Machine in USA, was not acceptable, some one at Academy of Science in Moscow had idea:
„Let’s build our self a Heuristic Analytical Logic cybernetic system and play against the American system !“
Timofey Kurdin join this quest for ultimo Chess computer, let his company become number one Russia and mark leader in AI research world wide.
So began armes race for Artificial Intelligence, the Soviet computer called Alekhine 01 (after first Soviet World Chess Champion) face IBM S9000HAL
Follow by Botvinnik 02 vs IBM S9269HAL and Smyslow 19 vs IBM S9390HAL with various success.
Those Chess matches were large step research into Artificial Intelligence or Intellectronic how Soviet called it,
The computers were modified and adapted with new hardware like Neurologic Chips.
NASA use one of first spin off, the automatic pilots for new generation Space Shuttle Booster and upcoming Space Probe that learn to adapt to new situations.
like Automatic Rovers who find there-self there way on another planet.
IBM S9000HAL vs Kasparov
Other researcher used modified IBM S9400HAL in experiments called Database for Artificial Intelligence Neurologic Application or DAINA
The goal was to create Artificial Intelligence that were able to make own decision
DAINA was heavy criticised by scientist and public, until it won in Tv show Jeopardy! against two champions and winning $1 million.
Despite DAINA was unable to do a simple Turing Test or advance Chinese Room test. do it inputs needed operations and it unable to operate on it own.
It was just further step in towards thinking machines or better say, Emulate the Human brain functions at higher speed.
Robotics
Again Timofey Kurdin push the limits by introduction of industrial robots in USSR, old fashion Communist would see this betrayal toward the Soviet workers.
but it increased the productivity of Soviet Union and welcome by workers,
In Western Nation industrial robots were be part of everyday life, in the East block they were something new and exciting in 1980s.
Kurdin however was thinking a step ahead, providing domestic Robots.
His first domestic robot Pomoshchnik was games changer, in contrast to the failures in USA, this was success,
Primary a robots vacuum cleaner, it could transport also tray with food & drinks or serve as security robot at Night.
it became best selling robot, not only in east block,
Timofey Kurdin invest heavy into Intellectronic and robotics, special Into walking machines and humanoid robots.
His main goal was to create R.U.R. or Revolutionary Universal Robots, Intelligence Humanoid Robot that can be used for universal task.
R.U.R was criticised and allot polemic about, the danger those machine could bring in future. for moment R.U.R. learn to walk without falling like toddler.
Therefore was Kurdin new robot MAR-1 equip with special wheels to move,
MAR-1 by Kurdin Robotics
The Soviets took this with dark humour:
I don’t known who inherit Earth, but it will be machines in Soviet Union…
