Cognitive computing (CC), broadly speaking, describes technology platforms that are based on the scientific disciplines of artificial intelligence and signal processing. In general, the term cognitive computing has been used to refer to the new hardware and / or software that mimics the functioning of the brain in human beings
Cognitive is a term that refers to the mental processes of perception and comprehension.
Computing is use of computers to manage, process and communicate information.
The goal of cognitive computing is to stimulate the thought processes of humans in a computerized model. Although computers have been faster at calculations and processing than humans, they haven’t been able to do other human tasks such as understanding, understanding a natural language, recognizing unique objects in an image or when it comes to emotions computers have never been able to compete with the human brain.
While artificial intelligence’s basic use is to implement the best algorithm in order to solve a problem, cognitive computing goes a step beyond artificial intelligence and tries to mimic human intelligence and wisdom by analysing a series of various factors. Therefore, when the two are compared, cognitive computing is a completely different concept.
Some features that are expressed by cognitive systems are:
- Adaptive:
They are adaptive in the sense that they learn as information changes and as the requirements evolve.
- Interactive:
They interact easily with users so that those users can define their needs comfortably. Interaction between with processors, devices and cloud services also happens.
- Iterative and stateful:
They help in defining a problem by asking questions and finding additional source input if a problem statement is incomplete. They remember previous interactions in a process and return information that is suitable for the specific application at that point of time.
- Contextual:
They understand, identify, extract contextual elements such as time, location, appropriate domain, regulations and profile of the user. They draw from multiple sources of information which include both structured and unstructured digital information as well as sensory inputs.
According to tech experts, cognitive computing is the future. A lot of successful and established businesses have already integrated the technology of cognitive computing into their routine business affairs.
The adoption of cognitive computing technology, as part of the digital evolutionary cycle, starts with the identification of the various manual processes that can be automated through the use of technology. Many companies such as IBM have already pioneered the technology of cognitive computing.
With every passing minute, more data is being analysed in order to gain insights into past events, understand them, make predictions and improve current and future processes. The technology of cognitive computing not only aids in the analysis of the previous events but it also aids in predicting the future events with much greater accuracy through predictive analysis.
The power and advantages of cognitive computing have already been leveraged in financial and healthcare domains with IBM Watson. IBM Watson is a data analytics processor which uses natural language processing. Natural language processing is a technology that analyses human speech for meaning and syntax. In the future, it is believed that such a technology will help humans become more efficient than before, delegate mundane analysis and focus on creative work.
The impact of cognitive computing technologies on organizations can be expected to grow substantially in less than 5 years. Stakeholders in all industries or domains need to understand whether, how, and where to invest in applying the cognitive computing technologies.
Organizations need to carry out a thorough analysis of the cognitive computing processes, data, talent model and the market the technology operates in, in order to reap the maximum benefits from cognitive computing. It is believed that beyond just reducing costs, one of the biggest potentials for cognitive technology lies in creating value along with the ability to restructure work and to increase efficiency by making a multitude of processes leaner.
Like any other technology, cognitive computing too has its own share of challenges and hurdles. But despite all the challenges and hurdles, the benefits of cognitive technology cannot be overlooked. It will be in favour of all the organizations and humanity, at large, to start the transition process and adopt innovative technology for a future that is bright and much more efficient.
In order to utilize the full potential of innovative breakthroughs in the world of technological advancement like cognitive computing technology, there is need for understanding the technology, its processes, it’s impacts, and a resilient cognitive computing tech partner that understands the modern trends and is engaged in developing cutting-edge business solutions.
The ambition and the aim or reach of cognitive computing is leaving the model of computer as an appliance behind and to bring computing into a closer, fundamental partnership in human activities.
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