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Your Pal in Second Life May Be a Robot

Researchers use virtual world to test AI creations

By Wesley Oliver, Newser Staff

Posted May 18, 2008 7:25 PM CDT

(Newser) – Scientists are creating virtual robots in a virtual world with the hope of simulating real people. Got it? Second Life is prime testing ground for artificial intelligence because it allows experts to exert more control over their creations. “It’s a very inexpensive way to test out our technologies right now,” one says.

Scientists plan to let their avatars roam the virtual world freely, and they’re getting close: By training one robot to guess others' thoughts, they’ve raised it to the level of a toddler, the AP reports. Second Life is a “fantastic sweet spot,” said one computer science professor: “not too simple, not too complicated, (with) high cultural value.”

"Second Life" is a prime frontier in AI research because it's a controllable environment where testing intelligent creations is easier. (KRT Photos)

Scientists have been hard-pressed to develop a computer program that's smart enough to mimic a real person. (Getty Images)

The ability to make inferences about the thoughts of others is significant for an AI agent. (Getty Images (by Event) Individuals)

Scientists are seeking out "Second Life" to test their creations of artificial intelligence. (Getty Images)

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Got a Tech Hunch? Use 'Milkshake Test'

Thought exercise helps predict a new technology's popularity

Man Who Coined 'Artificial Intelligence' Dead at 84

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Mini Japanese Robot Preps for Ironman Triathlon

Evolta has already climbed Grand Canyon

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Chip could someday power computer that learns, handles complex tasks

Virtual Stanford Class Goes Viral, 58K Sign Up

That's almost four times the size of the student body

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

artificial intelligence • Second Life • robot • avatar

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Got a Tech Hunch? Use 'Milkshake Test'

Thought exercise helps predict a new technology's popularity

Man Who Coined 'Artificial Intelligence' Dead at 84

John McCarthy a computer visionary

Mini Japanese Robot Preps for Ironman Triathlon

Evolta has already climbed Grand Canyon

IBM Creates Chip That Works Like Human Brain

Chip could someday power computer that learns, handles complex tasks

Virtual Stanford Class Goes Viral, 58K Sign Up

That's almost four times the size of the student body

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Newser By Users

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