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Indian Express
8 hours ago
- Science
- Indian Express
Remembering Eliza, one of the first chatbots: Lessons, warnings it holds for AI today
In 1966, at a lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), computer scientist Joseph Weizenbaum unveiled one of the first chatbots in history: Eliza. It ran on a computer that was among the most advanced at MIT at the time — the IBM 7090 — and could be accessed through a typewriter-like terminal. Eliza had different 'scripts' — or ways of interacting — and could mimic a math teacher, poetry teacher or a quiz master, among other things. But its most famous script was called DOCTOR, which emulated a therapist. Weizenbaum would later write about the anthropomorphisation of ELIZA, which, in his own words, led him to 'attach new importance to questions of the relationship between the individual and the computer'. Eventually, the myth-making around it reached such an extent that the tendency or pattern to attribute human qualities to computers came to be known as the ELIZA effect. The scientist too later spoke about the excessive reliance on computers, and would argue that no matter how impressive the machines seemed, what they pulled off could not amount to real understanding. These concerns, and the debates that followed, still matter today as we navigate a world with rapidly developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. Weizenbaum was Jewish and fled Nazi Germany with his parents, arriving in the United States in the mid-1930s. In 1955, Weizenbaum was part of a team at American conglomerate General Electric that automated some key banking operations for the first time. He also developed a programming language called SLIP or 'Symmetric Lisp Processor'. This was part of an approach that worked with sentences, instead of numbers as computing had done until then. Weizenbaum was invited to join MIT's Project MAC, a Computer Science lab. Among other things, it was the first to build an interactive time-sharing system, where multiple users could use a single computer system simultaneously. Weizenbaum built ELIZA at the New England university between 1964-66. What Eliza did In the introduction to Computer Power and Human Reason: From Judgment to Calculation (1976), Weizenbaum breaks down how Eliza works in extremely simple terms. 'I composed a computer program with which one could converse in English. The human conversationalist partner would type his portion of the conversation on a typewriter connected to a computer, and the computer under control of my program, would analyse the message that had been transmitted to it, compose a response to it in English, and cause the response to be typed on the computer's typewriter,' Weizenbaum wrote. He explains that the program consisted of two steps: a language analyser and a script. A script, he describes, is a set of 'rules rather like those that might be given to an actor who is to use them to improvise around a certain theme. Thus, Eliza could be given a script to enable it to maintain a conversation — play a specific conversational rule.' Each time an audience member types something, ELIZA could examine it, looking for keywords that have entries in the currently active script. These words were then ranked and substituted, resulting in a response. One interaction of the DOCTOR script, which was that of a psychotherapist, was reproduced by Weizenbaum in a paper on ELIZA. It goes as following, with the text in all caps being ELIZA's responses: 'Men are all alike. IN WHAT WAY They're always bugging us about something or other. CAN YOU THINK (: A SPECIFIC EXAMPLE) Well, my boyfriend made me come here. YOUR BOYFRIEND MADE YOU COME HERE He says I am depressed much of the time. I AM SORRY TO HEAR YOU ARE DEPRESSED….' DOCTOR ended up becoming ELIZA in popular perception. A number of practicing psychiatrists seriously believed the DOCTOR script could grow into a nearly completely automatic form of psychotherapy, Weizenbaum wrote. 'If the method proves beneficial, then it would provide a therapeutic tool which can be made widely available to mental hospitals and psychiatric centers suffering a shortage of therapists,' one therapist wrote at the time. Weizenbaum also documents an incident with his secretary who started conversing with ELIZA in the DOCTOR script. 'After only a few interchanges with it, she asked me to leave the room. Another time, I suggested I might rig the system so that I could examine all conversations anyone had had with it, say, overnight. I was promptly bombarded with accusations that what I proposed amounted to spying on people's most intimate thoughts; clear evidence that people were conversing with the computer as if it were a person…' Weizenbaum wrote that he had not realised that 'extremely short exposures to a relatively simple computer program could induce powerful delusional thinking in quite normal people'. Eliza reimagined With Computer Science evolving rapidly, the code that constituted ELIZA was never published and reproduced. And the original code was only discovered in 2021 among a stack of Weizenbaum's papers. It had to be copied by hand by Stanford professor Jeff Shrager who now works on a digital archival project of Eliza along with a team of multi-disciplinary academics across the world. What it means today It is critical in Computer Science history as it was the first to demonstrate the Turing test (how human-like a machine's responses are) of a machine replicating human language. Of course, it also set off the obsession with getting computers to talk and interact with us, leading us to this moment in history where we are able to generate personalised videos, images and text at the drop of a hat. Digital Humanities professor David Berry at the University of Sussex, who is part of the digital archiving project along with Shrager, tells The Indian Express that 'ELIZA is is a 420-line program written in an obscure programming language which is radically different from the LLMs (large language models) like ChatGPT, a gigantic system with billion of parameters'. 'Eliza can run on any computer today and consume hardly any electricity, whereas ChatGPT consumes vast quantities of power,' Berry said. The contemporary LLMs, which are powered by huge data centres, require 0.14 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity, equal to powering 14 LED light bulbs for 1 hour, as per calculations by The Washington Post. Berry also talks about how ELIZA 'offered a crucial early warning about human susceptibility to computational deception'. He adds that 'examining ELIZA's source code helped to demonstrate that convincing human-computer interaction does not require genuine comprehension, rather, it can emerge from clever pattern matching and careful interface design that exploits human cognitive biases'. 'Even modern large language models, despite their impressive capabilities, fundamentally operate through statistical pattern recognition rather than genuine understanding,' Berry says.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Science
- Borneo Post
3D printing: A new horizon for local economy
Dr. Chua Bih Lii In year 2006, the movie 'Mission: Impossible III' featured a 3D printed mask fabricated based on a 3D scan of Phillip Hoffman's character for Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt to wear. The three-dimensional (3D) printing has leapt from science fiction to factory floors and even into our homes during the last decades. This transformative technology has enabled people from students to surgeons, to produce objects with unprecedented ease and customization. From Bones to Buildings: Real-World Wonders One of the most impactful applications of 3D printing is in the medical field. Doctors today use 3D-printed titanium plates and polymer-based splints for complex fractures such as skull and hip, improving recovery and comfort. The field of organ printing is pushing scientific boundaries even further. Researchers have successfully printed human tissues like liver and skin using bio-inks made from living cells experimentally, paving the way for future on-demand organ replacements. In aerospace, companies like General Electric (GE) have been printing fuel nozzles for jet engine that are 25% lighter and five times more durable than conventionally manufactured ones. In space exploration, an American aerospace startup, has successfully launched a rocket made almost entirely from 3D-printed components in 2023, cutting down production time from years to weeks. In the culinary world, 3D-printed food is transforming how meals are made. Machines can now print chocolate, pasta and plant-based meats. In Bristol, scientists have developed 3D-printed meals with customized textures and nutrition for patients with dysphagia, a medical condition that makes swallowing difficult. On the larger scale, construction firms in the Netherlands, China and Dubai have completed full-scale buildings using giant 3D concrete printers. This technology offers potential solutions to housing shortages by reducing labour and material costs significantly. Accessible Technology for All The widespread availability of 3D printers today is largely thanks to the expiration of two major patents: fused deposition modeling (FDM) and stereolithography apparatus (SLA). These advancements have driven down the cost of printers and opened the doors to schools, universities and hobbyists. Technically known as 'additive manufacturing', 3D printing works by adding material layer by layer to build a 3D object directly from a digital file. This stands in contrast to traditional subtractive and formative manufacturing, which relies on cutting, drilling, molding and forging materials into shape. There are seven distinct additive manufacturing processes defined by the ISO standard. FDM is the most affordable form of 3D printing. It works by melting a thermoplastic filament and extruding it through a heated nozzle. The printer lays down the material layer by layer on a build platform, where it cools and solidifies. Meanwhile, SLA uses a laser or ultraviolet (UV) light to cure liquid resin at high precision and result in smooth finishes, making them ideal for dental models, jewellery and intricate figurines. The future of 3D printing lies beyond basic plastic. High-performance materials such as PEKK, ULTEM, ceramics, metal powders and carbon-fiber composites are now being used for functional industrial parts, from aerospace components to surgical tools. These materials opening new frontiers in engineering by offering greater strength, heat resistance, and biocompatibility. Advantages of 3D Printing Common 3D printers based on FDM and SLA. Unlike conventional manufacturing, which often wastes materials through cutting and shaping, 3D printing uses only the amount of material needed. Additionally, it allows manufacturing on demand, eliminating the need for large inventories or overseas shipping. This has enabled many home business startups during the Covid-19. From the perspective of engineering, the design freedom given by the 3D printing is unmatched. Complex geometries and custom features designed by engineers can be printed directly without special tools or molds. Malaysia's Growing 3D Printing Economy 3D printed model of working jet engine and building. In Malaysia, innovative individuals and startups are already turning 3D printing into profitable ventures. For instance, a Penang-based entrepreneur produces custom-fit insoles and orthotics using foot scans and 3D printers. In Kuala Lumpur, a company creates architectural models for developers. Besides, a company in Selangor designs and prints 3D implants for hospitals. Several companies offer design and printing services for production jigs, inspection fixtures, and prototypes. Meanwhile, small home-bound businesses offer personalized 3D-printed home decors and gifts, such as designers' lamps, photo frames, nameplates and toys, through online platforms. Can Sabah Benefits from the 3D Printing Revolution? Sabah's economy traditionally relies on tourism, agriculture, oil and gas, and manufacturing. The 3D printing can help to complement the existing economic sector by providing diversified options and modernization of the local industry. Entrepreneurs can make products with local motifs. Tourists may soon bring home personalized souvenirs with native designs, unique pots and sculptures using sustainable plastic. Moving forward, it can be marketed worldwide via online platforms. Local artisans and film studios can make fantastical art pieces and iconic mask using 3D printing technology to support the creative industry, just like Marvel did for Black Panther, Deadpool and Iron Man. Local workshops can reproduce rare or discontinued machine parts for factories and plantations. The development of 3D printing industry in Sabah will help to support the regional needs of critical components. For example, Shell Jurong Island, a dedicated chemical manufacturing facility in Singapore is able to replace their critical heat exchanger parts by engaging 3D metal printing technology that delivers within two weeks manufacturing lead time. Besides, 3D printed molds, jigs and fixtures can support the needs of local manufacturers. Engineers can innovate new tools, components and customized machines for agricultural industries, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Several examples include 3D printed fruit pluckers, impellers and small machineries. Talents for the Transformation To drive this digital transformation, we need a new generation of entrepreneurs and problem-solvers who can creatively apply 3D printing. They will spearhead Malaysia's future innovations. Equally vital are 3D part designers, who must be adept in computer-aided design (CAD), finite element simulation, and structural optimization. They, with mechanical engineering background, will translate ideas and concepts into printable reality. Design strategies and production planning are needed for large quantity and quality production. Material engineers play a key role in developing and refining printable materials that meet various industrial standards, in term of strength, safety, or sustainability. Finally, mechanical and manufacturing engineers are needed to integrate 3D printing innovations into traditional production lines for improving quality control, efficiency and productivity. They are responsible from material selections to the in-house 3D printed product qualification to ensure the printed components are suitable. Conclusion With internet access and open-source platforms, all parts of Malaysia shall be able to participate in the global digital manufacturing movement. By embracing 3D printing, states like Sabah can bridge the technological divide with industrial states and create a uniquely local version of Industry 4.0. Ir. Dr. Chua Bih Lii is a senior lecturer at Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Sabah. He is also Sabah Branch Chairman of Technological Association Malaysia
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
GE Vernova (GEV) Increases Despite Market Slip: Here's What You Need to Know
The most recent trading session ended with GE Vernova (GEV) standing at $472.98, reflecting a +0.38% shift from the previouse trading day's closing. The stock outpaced the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.01%. At the same time, the Dow added 0.13%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq lost 0.32%. The the stock of the energy business spun off from General Electric has risen by 23.25% in the past month, leading the Oils-Energy sector's gain of 2.31% and the S&P 500's gain of 6.43%. The upcoming earnings release of GE Vernova will be of great interest to investors. The company's earnings per share (EPS) are projected to be $1.57, reflecting a 121.13% increase from the same quarter last year. Meanwhile, our latest consensus estimate is calling for revenue of $8.76 billion, up 6.79% from the prior-year quarter. In terms of the entire fiscal year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates predict earnings of $7.16 per share and a revenue of $37.17 billion, indicating changes of +28.32% and +6.39%, respectively, from the former year. Investors should also take note of any recent adjustments to analyst estimates for GE Vernova. These revisions help to show the ever-changing nature of near-term business trends. Consequently, upward revisions in estimates express analysts' positivity towards the company's business operations and its ability to generate profits. Our research shows that these estimate changes are directly correlated with near-term stock prices. To utilize this, we have created the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model that integrates these estimate changes and provides a functional rating system. The Zacks Rank system, which varies between #1 (Strong Buy) and #5 (Strong Sell), carries an impressive track record of exceeding expectations, confirmed by external audits, with stocks at #1 delivering an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has moved 0.26% lower. Currently, GE Vernova is carrying a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold). In terms of valuation, GE Vernova is presently being traded at a Forward P/E ratio of 65.84. This indicates a premium in contrast to its industry's Forward P/E of 19.38. It's also important to note that GEV currently trades at a PEG ratio of 3.66. This popular metric is similar to the widely-known P/E ratio, with the difference being that the PEG ratio also takes into account the company's expected earnings growth rate. Alternative Energy - Other stocks are, on average, holding a PEG ratio of 2.58 based on yesterday's closing prices. The Alternative Energy - Other industry is part of the Oils-Energy sector. Currently, this industry holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 143, positioning it in the bottom 43% of all 250+ industries. The strength of our individual industry groups is measured by the Zacks Industry Rank, which is calculated based on the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within these groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1. Be sure to use to monitor all these stock-influencing metrics, and more, throughout the forthcoming trading sessions. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report GE Vernova Inc. (GEV) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
India explores partners beyond US to build fighter jet engines: report
India is actively engaging with defence manufacturers from the United Kingdom, France, and Japan to co-develop fighter jet engines, aiming to bolster its defence capabilities amid escalating regional tensions, Bloomberg reported. This move, seeking to diversify partnerships beyond the United States and address critical capability gaps, comes weeks after Pakistan shot down at least five Indian Air Force (IAF) jets in an aerial combat that involved more than 100 aircraft from both sides and lasted for hours. The incident has prompted global militaries to study the confrontation, highlighting the evolving nature of aerial combat in the region. India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will evaluate proposals from these countries, with an emphasis on technology transfer and intellectual property sharing, Bloomberg reported, quoting sources. Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC has offered joint production and technology transfer during a recent visit by Indian defence officials to the UK. Similarly, France's Safran SA has shown a willingness to transfer technology and share intellectual property rights. Japan has also extended a comparable offer, following a bilateral meeting between India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Japanese counterpart in New Delhi earlier this month, focusing on potential collaborations in tank and aero engine development. India's pursuit of indigenous defence capabilities has also led to the approval of a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet program. The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, spearheaded by the state-run Aeronautical Development Agency, aims to modernise the Indian Air Force's fleet, which currently operates below its sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons. The AMCA is envisioned as a twin-engine stealth fighter, with plans to involve both private companies and public sector undertakings in its development. In parallel, India has been in discussions with General Electric (GE) since 2023 to jointly produce GE F414 engines. However, the talks have faced delays, and India imposed penalties on GE last year for severe delays in the delivery of engines that power the country's locally-made single-jet fighters. Earlier in February this year, India's state fighter jet maker Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) said it would start rolling them out once General Electric supplied engines for them. The recent focus on diversifying partnerships and enhancing domestic defence production capabilities underscores India's commitment to self-reliance in defence technology.
Bloomberg
3 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Big Take: The Industry Churning Out CEOs
For decades, General Electric — the conglomerate known for making everything from trains to microwaves — was also known for churning out executives. Time spent at the company's Crotonville campus was seen as the gold standard for leadership training in Corporate America. But as GE has lost its luster, a new CEO pipeline has emerged. On today's Big Take podcast, Bloomberg work and management reporter Matt Boyle joins host David Gura to share what he's discovered about where tomorrow's CEOs are learning to lead — and what it means for global business.
