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What is the project trying to achieve?
On one hand, the way we simulate the human brain shows us how much we know about this complex organ and understand the processes occurring within. On the other, however, it enables us to better investigate precisely these processes by conducting experiments in artificial systems and comparing the results with that which we know from nature. These findings then influence the technological developments of tomorrow and thus also enhance the interaction between man and machine and other aspects.
Today, for instance, when doors open automatically when we enter a room, then we might spontaneously perceive that as intelligent. When we go near the door without walking through it and it still opens, we find it irritating. If a porter were standing at the door, he would always know precisely when to open the door. The current technology is not actually intelligent after all, as it cannot tell the difference between these two situations (walking through and walking by) in the way a real person could. Study of the brain will also provide us with insights into these processes that help us orient ourselves in a split second and then accordingly do the «right thing».
«We want to learn from the brain and make use of this knowledge to develop new technologies.»
Prof. Rodney Douglas, Director of Institute INI
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