Tell a machine to perform a simple operation such as "stop" or "start" or "grind," and chances are pretty good that it will be done. But try to tell it something more complex, like "paint the computer case before you box it," or "provide power to the computer before you switch it on" and the machine will likely be confused by the word "before." To increase the "intelligence" of machines, the National Institute of Standards recently held a workshop for a group of ontologists-researchers who study thought processes. The researchers agreed to cooperate and share their ideas for the development of software that will simulate the use of common sense that at lease some humans seem to posses.
The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from the June edition of the Materials Handling newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on plastics industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Materials Handling today.
"Before" is not confusing...
