Researchers announce development of 'thinking and learning' machines

The three year European Union project, Brain-i-Nets (Novel Brain Inspired Learning Paradigms) is being developed by scientists at the Institute for Theoretical Science (IGI) at Graz University of Technology. The researchers intend to design a new generation of neuro computers based on the principles of calculation and learning mechanisms found in the brain, at the same time gaining knowledge about the brain's learning mechanisms. The research is based on the billions of nerve cells in the human brain which are independently connected by ever changing synapses. This complex system represents the basis for human thought and it is the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity in the organism that scientists are exploring. IGI head, Wolfgang Maass and project coordinator Robert Legenstein are working with neuroscientists and physicists to translate the learning mechanisms of the human brain to develop new learning methods for artificial systems which process information. The long term goal is to develop adaptive computers together which have the potential to 'revolutionise' today's information society.