Google funds project to teach computers regret, sadly won’t lead to apologetic machines

We’ve seen a rather creepy array of robots programmed to mimic human emotions, but teaching a machine to feel regret? Now, that’s a new one. With funding from Google, a team of Tel Aviv University researchers is working on an algorithm to teach computers to learn from their experiences, thus reducing instances of “virtual regret.” According to the team’s lead, such an algorithm would allow servers and routing systems to more efficiently deal with internet traffic, by recognizing and documenting things like sudden spikes in traffic or increased attention to an online product. Basically, the more they learn from their past inadequacies, the more effectual the machines become. Google’s apparently interested in the potential impact on programs like AdSense and AdWords . Now, if they could just teach online advertisers a sense of shame… Full PR after the break. Continue reading Google funds project to teach computers regret, sadly won’t lead to apologetic machines Google funds project to teach computers regret, sadly won’t lead to apologetic machines originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 02:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink

Posted by on April 13, 2011. Filed under News, Tech. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.