UP FOR DEBATE

AI HAS OFTEN BEEN lauded for its super intelligent performance across sectors. Now, we can add the art of debate to that list. This time, IBM demonstrated its Project Debater in San Francisco as a voiceenabled AI system on a big panel was pitted against humans in two debates. And it fared alarmingly well. Not everyone has the courage or the skill to debate. One of the reasons is that it needs a wealth of information to put forth an argument. And that is precisely where a computer can outdo a human. Once it is fed vast volumes of data, arguments and logical deductions, responses and rejoinders, it needs no time to think as humans must. Layer that with natural language and humour, and it is in a unique position, being less prone to agitation and emotion than its human counterparts. While humans still speak and come across as more natural and real, the AI voice is faster than lightning with information. IBM, however, has created this project to have AI and people working together for more informed decision-making.