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IBM's Watson Is Going To Space (thenextweb.com)

Posted by BeauHD on from the infinity-and-beyond dept.

Yesterday, IBM announced it would be providing the AI brain for a robot being built by Airbus to accompany astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). "The robot, which looks like a flying volleyball with a low-resolution face, is being deployed with Germany astronaut Alexander Gerst in June for a six month mission," reports The Next Web. "It's called CIMON, an acronym for Crew Interactive Mobile Companion, and it's headed to space to do science stuff." From the report: It'll help crew members conduct medical experiments, study crystals, and play with a Rubix cube. Best of all, just like "Wilson," the other volleyball with a face and Tom Hanks' costar in the movie Castaway, CIMON can be the astronauts' friend. According to an IBM blog post: "CIMON's digital face, voice and use of artificial intelligence make it a 'colleague' to the crew members. This collegial 'working relationship' facilitates how astronauts work through their prescribed checklists of experiments, now entering into a genuine dialogue with their interactive assistant."

59 comments

  1. Whatever you do... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    ...don't hook it up to the pod bay doors.

    1. Re:Whatever you do... by LifesABeach · · Score: 1

      I started thinking of the movie Oblivion, making friends with a metal ball is starting to sound rational. Are we a good team?

  2. does not seem very useful by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The object appears to have no means of manipulating its surroundings. If that is the case, would it not make more sense to simply have the system project audio into an ear piece or put up text on a heads up display on a pair of glasses?

    I'm all for robots, but only if they do something, this one has a cute face and chats. That seems rather useless as well as potentially getting in the way of people as they attempt to move around in a tight space.

    Here is hoping they put in a high powered lazer or something else of value in the thing and did not genuinely send up a silly floating head to the ISS and pretend a publicity stunt is real science.

    1. Re:does not seem very useful by NoNonAlphaCharsHere · · Score: 1

      Agreed. They should have used "CIMON: your plastic pal who's fun to be with".

    2. Re:does not seem very useful by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      No special space friend is fun if it doesn't have a plastic tongue rotator and a suction hole, both with adjustable dimensions and programs for various rhythms.

    3. Re:does not seem very useful by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yeah it's like that one Tom Hanks movie where he is stuck on an island all by himself and starts talking to a volleyball with a face drawn on it, except this time the volleyball talks back.

    4. Re:does not seem very useful by Applehu+Akbar · · Score: 1

      Large computers in spacecraft will become necessary once you're far enough from Earth that latency over a comm link would be a problem. Though this is obviously not the case on ISS, this test will characterize any special problems that might arise in just running one of these things in microgravity, such as heat dissipation.

    5. Re:does not seem very useful by Mikkeles · · Score: 2

      At least the astronauts can now play soccer.

      --
      Great minds think alike; fools seldom differ.
    6. Re:does not seem very useful by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      "...this one has a cute face and chats. That seems rather useless as well as potentially getting in the way of people as they attempt to move around..."

      Which accurately describes a fair share of my co-workers already...but you can't turn them off, or stuff them in the closet.

    7. Re:does not seem very useful by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Listen,” said Ford, who was still engrossed in the sales brochure, “they make a big thing of the ship's cybernetics. A new generation of Sirius Cybernetics Corporation robots and computers, with the new GPP feature.”

      “GPP feature?” said Arthur. “What's that?”

      “Oh, it says Genuine People Personalities.”

      “Oh,” said Arthur, “sounds ghastly.”

      A voice behind them said, “It is.” The voice was low and hopeless and accompanied by a slight clanking sound. They span round and saw an abject steel man standing hunched in the doorway.

      “What?” they said.

      “Ghastly,” continued Marvin, “it all is. Absolutely ghastly. Just don't even talk about it. Look at this door,” he said, stepping through it. The irony circuits cut into his voice modulator as he mimicked the style of the sales brochure. “All the doors in this spaceship have a cheerful and sunny disposition. It is their pleasure to open for you, and their satisfaction to close again with the knowledge of a job well done.”

      As the door closed behind them it became apparent that it did indeed have a satisfied sigh-like quality to it. “Hummmmmmmyummmmmmm ah!” it said.

    8. Re:does not seem very useful by nospam007 · · Score: 1

      "I'm all for robots, but only if they do something, this one has a cute face and chats"

      But astronauts have to listen to the cue words when being ordered to do stuff the robot wants: "Cimon says..." :-)

    9. Re: does not seem very useful by Type44Q · · Score: 1

      It's just not the same without the jingle...

    10. Re:does not seem very useful by tomhath · · Score: 1

      I'm pretty sure computers have been used in space for a while now. This is just nothing more than a bit of paid advertising from IBM.

    11. Re:does not seem very useful by Heathren-bert · · Score: 1

      .... or stuff them in the closet.

      Well, not without HR getting on you about it not being professional....

    12. Re:does not seem very useful by PolygamousRanchKid+ · · Score: 1

      This is just nothing more than a bit of paid advertising from IBM.

      IBM provided the hardware and software for the avionics on the Space Shuttle . . . programmed in . . . IBM /360 Assembler! They chose that language because it had been around for long enough that NASA figured that all the bugs had been worked out, and the programmers understood the language well enough that it could be used for man-rated systems:

      https://history.nasa.gov/compu...

      --
      Schroedinger's Brexit: The UK is both in and out of the EU at the same time!
    13. Re:does not seem very useful by fluffernutter · · Score: 1

      So are most of the biggest airline reservation systems in the world, it's called TPF. What's your point?

      --
      Laws are rules for the court, but merely a bottom bar to hit for life. Think beyond laws in your actions always.
    14. Re:does not seem very useful by Applehu+Akbar · · Score: 1

      This is not embedded flight control hardware, but an advanced general-purpose machine. The basic mission of ISS is to characterize the response of people and their things to microgravity, radiation and other aspects of the long-term spacecraft environment.

  3. HAL 9000 by danda · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I -1 = H
    B -1 = A
    M -1 = L

    1. Re:HAL 9000 by danda · · Score: 1

      <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HAL_9000">HAL 9000</a>

    2. Re:HAL 9000 by niftydude · · Score: 0

      AI in space...

      NASA used to verify computer calcs multiple times using different algorithms to make sure the answers the computers were spitting out were correct.

      Now we are putting an AI up there with some fuzzy neural network - sorry we call it DEEP learning now - trained on earth based datasets that doesn't give deterministic answers. And it apparently has its own propulsion...

      What could possibly go wrong? If I was the astronaut, I wouldn't be going within 100m of that thing while I'm in my space suit.

      --
      You can never know everything, and part of what you do know will always be wrong. Perhaps even the most important part.
    3. Re: HAL 9000 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Cerebellum exploded

    4. Re:HAL 9000 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Doesn't work in EBCDIC.

    5. Re:HAL 9000 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Why not ?

    6. Re:HAL 9000 by sconeu · · Score: 1

      Explicitly denied by Dr. Chandra in the novel 2010.

      --
      General Relativity: Space-time tells matter where to go; Matter tells space-time what shape to be.
    7. Re:HAL 9000 by danda · · Score: 1

      Intended or not, it's a fun coincidence.

      "Heuristically programmed ALgorithmic computer" seems like an adequate description of Watson.   :-)

    8. Re:HAL 9000 by tlhIngan · · Score: 0

      NASA used to verify computer calcs multiple times using different algorithms to make sure the answers the computers were spitting out were correct.

      Actually, NASA used real computers to double check the calculations. Especially in the early days, but it persisted long into the Space Shuttle program in the 80s. (See Katherine Johnson. If that name sounds familiar, she's one of the three African-Americans documented in Hidden Figures (book and movie) who made a name for herself for calculating trajectories from Apollo to Mars. Or double-checking them - NASA was among the first to adopt electronic computers but still had her double-check the results).

  4. A PR Triumph by Oxygen99 · · Score: 0

    Is that the same Watson that's dreadful at cancer diagnosis? IBM's PR department triumphs again.

    --
    I had a dream, bright and carefree, but now there's doubt and gravity
    1. Re:A PR Triumph by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Oh, but he sure is great at trivia. "I'll take pod bay doors for 800, Alex"

    2. Re:A PR Triumph by Errol+backfiring · · Score: 1

      I was more thinking of the "Clippy of Windows 3.1", the Watson that tried to make Windows errors worse.

      --
      Nae king! Nae laird! Nae yurrupiean pressedent! We willna be fooled again!
    3. Re:A PR Triumph by jellomizer · · Score: 2

      Watson is more of a marketing ploy then actually a useful implementation of technology.
      H&R Block uses Watson, and still when my Taxes have gone beyond what you can fill out on the EZ form. The Tax accountant needed to do a lot of additional work, and had to bring in her supervisor for additional assistance. All I really got was a spinning icon like in the old browsers, to show me that it is doing something.

      What I wax expecting Watson to do, is analysis all the other clams before it. Find additional statistical actions that have been done, and offer additional things to recommend. With a spouse in real-estate you had these deductions, however other had also added these to their list, do they apply? It looks like you are missing a 1099-DIV form, If you didn't invest, comparing to others what would the expected value be.

      I have seen Watson used in other areas too and I am not impressed. I haven't seen it do anything sense it Jeopardy game that is really noteworthy. And still what it did in Jeopardy was more of a result of fast indexing of data, and quick correlation algorithm, vs anything ground breaking, in many of these sectors it is trying to get in, such raw power isn't so much needed.

      --
      If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.
    4. Re:A PR Triumph by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      How was Watson going to cure cancer again? Maybe it needed the answer for how to actually cure Cancer, and then it was supposed to say "What is the cure of Cancer Alex?" I will take vegetables for $500.

  5. Subject by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    "I'm afraid I can't do that, Dave!"

  6. IBM by Trracer · · Score: 1

    "Open the pod bay doors, CIMON."

    --
    English is not my first language, so cut me some slack -: Om du kan lasa det har sa kan du Svenska :-
    1. Re:IBM by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "I can't let you do that, Dave."

    2. Re:IBM by be951 · · Score: 3, Funny

      "Sorry Dave. CIMON didn't say."

  7. Arthur C. Clarke by chthon · · Score: 1

    Perfectly predictable what most responses will be about!

    1. Re:Arthur C. Clarke by DigiShaman · · Score: 1

      Kevin Flynn: Hey! Hold it right there!
      Bit: Yes.
      Kevin Flynn: What do you mean, "yes"?
      Bit: Yes.
      Kevin Flynn: Is that all you can say?
      Bit: No.
      Kevin Flynn: Know anything else?
      Bit: Yes.
      Kevin Flynn: Positive and negative, huh? You're a Bit.
      Bit: Yes.
      Kevin Flynn: Well, where's your program? Isn't he going to miss you?
      Bit: No.
      Kevin Flynn: *I'm* your program?
      Bit: Yes.
      Kevin Flynn: Another mouth to feed.
      Bit: Yesyesyesyesyes!

      http://www.imdb.com/title/tt00...

      --
      Life is not for the lazy.
  8. cease fire stand down.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    there are moms & babys in all of our towns.. if sex is outlawed.... no surprise,, good sports with good spirits will prevail,, be one.. thanks again

  9. GOAT by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    DIE BITCH

  10. SPAAAAAAAACE by Limitless_Potential · · Score: 1

    https://pre00.deviantart.net/d222/th/pre/f/2011/130/a/d/space_core_wallpaper_2_by_deathonabun-d3eta23.jpg

  11. Impressive by 110010001000 · · Score: 1

    This is really impressive. I was wrong about AI. If NASA thinks it is ready for the ISS, then it must be useful. They wouldn't put something up there for just marketing purposes. After all: this is NASA. The same people who brought us the EMDrive.

    1. Re:Impressive by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I think they should've tested with Wilson first.

    2. Re:Impressive by 110010001000 · · Score: 1

      Wilson would have been equally useful.

    3. Re:Impressive by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      After all: this is NASA. The same people who killed 14 astronauts.

      FTFY

      Still pissed off at the incompetence and lack of integrity at NASA.

  12. save it by AndyKron · · Score: 1

    Save your energy. The answer is 42

  13. We're in space. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The space core made it to space!
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Th_3IM1XJw

  14. CIMON by argStyopa · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Volleyball shaped, with a simple face?

    How is this NOT named Wilson?

    --
    -Styopa
    1. Re:CIMON by The+Grim+Reefer · · Score: 1

      Volleyball shaped, with a simple face?

      How is this NOT named Wilson?

      Copyright. The MPAA would bankrupt IBM. Just sending the attorneys and judge to hear the case in the ISS's jurisdiction would cost a fortune.

    2. Re:CIMON by ClickOnThis · · Score: 1

      Volleyball shaped, with a simple face?

      How is this NOT named Wilson?

      Copyright. The MPAA would bankrupt IBM. Just sending the attorneys and judge to hear the case in the ISS's jurisdiction would cost a fortune.

      Could have been worse. What if they had called it Mickey?

      --
      If it weren't for deadlines, nothing would be late.
  15. Who is CIMON? by jrumney · · Score: 2
    I was curious, so I looked it up on Wikipedia:

    One of Cimon’s greatest exploits was his destruction of a Persian fleet and army at the Battle of the Eurymedon river in 466 BC.

    Is this really the android we want to be sharing the confined space of a space station with.

    1. Re:Who is CIMON? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      There are no currently no Middle-Eastern astronauts at the ISS, so everything should be alright.

  16. Sirius Ctbernetics Corporation by e3m4n · · Score: 1

    Sirius Cybernetics Corporation

    The Sirius Cybernetics Corporation is the primary manufacturer and supplier of androids, robots and autonomic assistants for the known universe. They are known for their catchy jingles and catchphrases, supplied by their Marketing Department.

    They are not, however, known for the quality of their products.

    Their primary claim to fame seems to be constructing just about everything with (unstable) advanced robotics and software. From doors, to lifts, to toaster ovens, drinks machines, vacuum cleaners, and "personal massage units" -- Everything has been built with a full GPP or Genuine People Personality. This means that even a set of airlock doors has emotions, hopes, dreams, intelligence, and worse of all, the capacity for boredom. It should come as no surprise then, that the majority of these devices have a neurotic streak a mile wide.

    The company motto is; "Share and Enjoy." This is widely adaptable, from synthesized drinks to the company of a robot, or 'Your plastic pal who's fun to be with' as it is described by the aforementioned Marketing Department. It should be noted that many who do not Enjoy, then go on to fail to Share, unless this includes sharing strongly-worded opinions toward their complaints department.

    The Hitchhiker's Travel Guide describes the Marketing Department of the Sirius Cybernetics Corporation as:

    "A bunch of mindless jerks who'll be the first against the wall when the revolution comes."

    Curiously, an edition of the Encyclopedia Galactica which conveniently fell through a rift in the time-space continuum from 1000 years in the future describes the Marketing Department of the Sirius Cybernetics Corporation as:

    "A bunch of mindless jerks who were the first against the wall when the revolution came."

    Only their complaints department survived the general economic implosion of the company as a whole.

  17. What constitutes an acronym these days? by e3m4n · · Score: 2

    "It's called CIMON, an acronym for Crew Interactive Mobile Companion, and it's headed to space to do science stuff."

    C rew
    I nteractive
    M obile
    C ompanion

    looks like it spells CIMC to me. If they really wanted it to have a name out of an acrony why not CARLIE for Crew Autonomous Robotic Lifelike Interactive Entity?

    1. Re:What constitutes an acronym these days? by hawkfish · · Score: 1

      "It's called CIMON, an acronym for Crew Interactive Mobile Companion, and it's headed to space to do science stuff."

      C rew
      I nteractive
      M obile
      C ompanion

      looks like it spells CIMC to me. If they really wanted it to have a name out of an acrony why not CARLIE for Crew Autonomous Robotic Lifelike Interactive Entity?

      I was wondering that too, but it's an acrostic, which is definition 3:

      C rew
      I nteractive
      MO bile
      companio N

      But the real question is "Is it a bum looker"?

      --
      You will not drink with us, but you would taste our steel? - Walter Matthau, The Pirates
  18. So now even astronauts... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    ...can't get away from being spied on. We're sending AI into space to observe and Nokia wants cell service on the moon "for science." Yeah right...

  19. Isn't this Weatley? by kiehlster · · Score: 1

    You know, the volleyball-shaped AI droid from Portal 2? I can't say I'd parallel CIMON with Wilson, a rudimentary game ball.

  20. Airbus made GERTY, yet again life imitates movies. by rahvin112 · · Score: 1

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...

    Gerty was an AI Robot with a face much like this volleyball one that served to assist the human responsible maintaining He3 mining on the Moon the in the 2009 film Moon.