Cognitive computing is
the use of computerized models to simulate the human thought process in complex
situations where the answers may be ambiguous and uncertain. The phrase is
closely associated with IBM's cognitive computer system, Watson. Cognitive
computing overlaps with AI and involves many of the same underlying
technologies, including expert systems, neural networks, robotics and virtual
reality (VR).
How cognitive computing works
Cognitive computing
systems can synthesize data from various information sources, while weighing
context and conflicting evidence to suggest the best possible answers. To
achieve this, cognitive systems include self-learning technologies that use
data mining, pattern recognition and natural language processing (NLP) to mimic
the way the human brain works.
Using computer
systems to solve the types of problems that humans are typically tasked with
requires vast amounts of structured and unstructured data, fed to machine
learning algorithms. Over time, cognitive systems are able to refine the way
they identify patterns and the way they process data to become capable of
anticipating new problems and model possible solutions.
To achieve those
capabilities, cognitive computing systems must have five key attributes, as
listed by the Cognitive Computing Consortium.
Adaptive: Cognitive systems must be flexible
enough to learn as information changes and as goals evolve. The systems must be
able to digest dynamic data in real time and make adjustments as the data and
environment change.
Interactive: Human-computer interaction (HCI) is a
critical component in cognitive systems. Users must be able to interact with
cognitive machines and define their needs as those needs change. The
technologies must also be able to interact with other processors, devices and
cloud platforms.
Iterative and stateful: Cognitive computing
technologies can also identify problems by asking questions or pulling in
additional data if a stated problem is vague or incomplete. The systems do this
by maintaining information about similar situations that have previously
occurred.
Contextual: Understanding context is critical in
thought processes, and so cognitive systems must also understand, identify and
mine contextual data, such as syntax, time, location, domain, requirements, a
specific user's profile, tasks or goals. They may draw on multiple sources of
information, including structured and unstructured data and visual, auditory or
sensor data.
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