« Ada - der intelligente Raum » - Universität und ETH Zürich an der Expo.02


		Uses and limitations
		Statements
			Rodney Douglas
			Paul Verschure
			François Höpflinger
			Rolf Pfeifer
			Peter Stamm
			Ray Kurzweil
		Feedback
		Competition

Prof. Rodney Douglas, Medical doctor

Prof. Rodney Douglas is Director of the Institute of Neuroinformatics, run jointly by the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich.

In his research activities, he is especially interested in the understanding of development and function of the brain and the implementation of acquired knowledge in artificial, so-called neuromorphic systems – computer systems whose mode of functioning is modelled after a natural nervous system. His work concentrates on the region of the brain responsible for seeing.

Most of the following statements are taken from the short film «Brainworkers,» created especially for the Expo.02 exhibition.

«Intelligence involves changing the world for the better.»

«What’s fascinating about the brain is how it organises intelligence founded on the interaction of cells. We humans normally imagine the brain functions like a computer.»

«I like to compare something simple like the brain of a bee with the modern computer. The difference is this: In their short life, bees build a nest. They learn how to defend themselves. They learn to fly and find their way over a distance of 1,000 km. They operate with a simple logic and can communicate with one another. These are all characteristics that are important to understand. We want to learn from the brain and make use of this knowledge to develop new technologies.»

«I believe there’s always something frightening about knowledge because it can be used for good and for evil.»

«I have a very positive view of how the world will change. For me, there’s no compelling argument as to why humans should necessarily be the most important creature.»

«The project is a step toward intelligent machines that can set tasks and problems for themselves and then proceed to solve them.»

«Ada embodies the desire to create artificial intelligence using animal models.»

«For me, Ada should trigger reactions among the public, reactions like delight and curiosity, especially curiosity. And trigger discussions as well.»