Question

Give 5 examples of fifth generation computers.

Answer 1

Fifth generation computing devices, based on artificial intelligence, are still in development, though there are some applications, such as voice recognition, that are being used today. The use of parallel processing and supercomputers is helping to make artificial intelligence a reality. Quantum computation and molecular and nanotechnology will radically change the face of computers in years to come. The goal of fifth-generation computing is to develop devices that respond to natural language input and are capable of learning and self-organization.

The most noticeable characteristics of these computers will be the ability to apply previously gained knowledge, draw conclusions and then execute a task. The computer will, in short, simulate the human ability to reason.

Computers will have to be able to classify information, search large databases rapidly, plan, apply the rules which humans regard as clear thinking, make decision and learn from their mistakes. Input devices for future computers could also include speech and visual recognition.

Applications for Fifth-Generation Computers

Intelligent robots that could ‘see’ their environment (visual input – for example, a video camera) and could be programmed to carry out certain tasks without step-by-step instructions. The robot should be able to decide for itself how the task should be accomplished, based on the observations it made of its environment.

Applications examples of 5th generation computers are:

Intelligent systems that could control the route of a missile and defense-systems that could fend off attacks; Word processors that could be controlled by means by speech recognition; Programs that could translate documents from one language to another.

Answer 2

Unlike all other generation computers, present generation of computers is characterized by the use of the technique used to reduce complex programming. This technique is known as Artificial Intelligence.

⇒ Characteristics of fifth generation (1989 - present) of computers :

• Portable and more powerful computers.

• Cheaper.

• Reliable.

• Easier to produce commercially.

• Easier to use desktop machines.

• Very powerful mainframes.

• Very high uptime due to hot - pluggable components.

• General purpose machines.

⇒ Examples of fifth generation of computers :

• IBM notebooks.

• Pentium PCs.

• SUN Workstations.

• IBM SP/2

• SGI Origin 2000.

• PARAM supercomputers.