# Virtual Brains Intel Kicks Processors into the Next Generation with 'Cognitive Computing' By Omar Yusuf | Published 2011-08-20 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cognitive-computing References: [bits.blogs.nytimes](http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/18/ibm-announces-brainy-computer-chip/?partner=rss&emc=rss) & [blogs.wsj](http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2011/08/18/ibm-announces-move-toward-cognitive-computing/?mod=WSJBlog) Because most information technology is modeled after our own neuro-mechanics, [Intel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amd-ai-processors) researchers have developed a processor that uses "cognitive computing," allowing machines to learn, develop autonomously and co-ordinate separate ideas together. 30 years ago, Intel launched their first line of processors, completely transforming the way *all* modern computers behave. Today, after receiving a $41 million grant from [DARPA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/darpa-1), Big Blue is prepared to throw the tech world, and society in general, into upheaval once again. Compared to our brains' 1 trillion neurons, the [cognitive computing processors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Apple-M5-Chip) only sport a paltry 256 virtual neurons, although it's enough to crunch huge numbers and produce photo-realistic images. Beyond the understandably scary implications of machines that capable of learning, project lead Dharmendra Modha explains that the new processors can sense real-world changes like motion and temperature increases, making them less fragile and more versatile. I can almost here the Terminators marching here! ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 28% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [AI](https://www.trendhunter.com/ai) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Cognitive Computing:** The development of processors using cognitive computing presents an opportunity for creating autonomous and versatile machines capable of learning and coordinating separate ideas. - **Virtual Neurons:** The use of virtual neurons in processors presents an opportunity for the development of technologies capable of crunching huge numbers and producing photo-realistic images. - **Sensing Real-world Changes:** The ability of processors to sense real-world changes such as motion and temperature increases presents an opportunity for the development of less fragile and more versatile technologies. ### Who This Affects Most - **Technology:** The technology industry is likely to see an influx of new products and services built around cognitive computing and virtual neuron technology. - **Artificial Intelligence:** The development of processors using cognitive computing presents an opportunity for disruption in the artificial intelligence industry. - **Computer Hardware:** The development of processors using virtual neurons presents an opportunity for disruption in the computer hardware industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AI-Powered PC Processors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amd-ai-processors.md) - [Efficient AI-Training Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-good-computer.md) - [Artificial Intelligence Computing Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/falcon-shores.md) - [Ryzen AI Processors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ryzen-ai-chips.md) - [Quantum Computing Processors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/osprey-1.md) - [AI-Powered Computer Processors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amd.md) - [Powerhouse Workstation CPUs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sierra-forest.md) - [AI-Ready Laptop Processors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ryzen-8000.md) - [AI-Boosted Laptop Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swift-go.md)