Intelligent Machines

1. ………….……................... Scientists have put computer chips directly into people’s brain to help people who suffer from Parkinson's disease. In what other ways might computer technology be able to help us? Ray Kurzweil, who is one of the world’s best research scientists and the writer of The Age of Intelligent Machines, has been working hard to find ways of using technology to improve people’s health.

2. ………….……................... Kurzweil developed a system in which computers can recognize voices. He has created a virtual hostess named Ramona which can understand what people say. If you feel lonely and need someone to talk to, visit Kurzweil’s homepage and have a chat with Ramona.

3. ………….……................... While developing this technology, Kurzweil had one thing in mind, helping people with physical disabilities. One of his ideas is a ‘seeing machine’ which would be like a friend that could describe what is going on in the visible world. Kurzweil developed a visual sensor which will be implemented into a pair of sunglasses and describe to the person everything it sees. This idea will make life easier for blind people. When they start using it, they won’t need someone to accompany them.

4. ………….……................... Another idea of his is a ‘listening machine’ which is likely to help deaf people. This invention will be able to recognize millions of words and understand any speaker. This machine will also be able to translate into other languages. It’s not only for deaf people but also for people who don’t know other languages.

5. ………….……................... Kurzweil is doing research on a new technology which will enable us to download our entire consciousness onto a computer. It means our minds will be able to live forever. However, the system probably won’t be ready for at least 30 years.