Learning based on networks of real neurons, and by extension biologically inspired models of neural networks, has yet to find general learning rules leading to widespread applications. In this paper, we argue for the existence of a principle allowing to steer the dynamics of a biologically inspired neural network. Using carefully timed external stimulation, the network can be driven towards a desired dynamical state. We term this principle "Learning by Stimulation Avoidance" (LSA). We demonstrate through simulation that the minimal sufficient conditions leading to LSA in artificial networks are also sufficient to reproduce learning results similar to those obtained in biological neurons by Shahaf and Marom [1]. We examine the mechanism's basic dynamics in a reduced network, and demonstrate how it scales up to a network of 100 neurons. We show that LSA has a higher explanatory power than existing hypotheses about the response of biological neural networks to external simulation, and can be used as a learning rule for an embodied application: learning of wall avoidance by a simulated robot. The surge in popularity of artificial neural networks is mostly directed to disembodied models of neurons with biologically irrelevant dynamics: to the authors' knowledge, this is the first work demonstrating sensory-motor learning with random spiking networks through pure Hebbian learning.

In developing algorithms to differentiate between suspicious nodules in the thyroid gland, researchers in China have found that their machine-learning computations separate malignant from benign properties more accurately than an inexperienced radiologist--but not as accurately as the experienced radiologist whose know-how was used to create the algorithms. Their research is running in the October edition of the American Journal of Roentgenology. Dr. Hongxun Wu of Jiangyuan Hospital in the province of Jiangsu and colleagues worked with 970 histopathologically proven thyroid nodules in 970 patients. They had two radiologists retrospectively review ultrasound images of the nodules, grading them according to a five-tier scoring system. One of the rads--the one whose clinical interpretations would feed the computations--had 17 years of experience.

Leading graphics chip designer Nvidia said on Wednesday that it had formed a partnership with Foxconn Technology Group and Quanta Computer to develop servers that offer artificial intelligence capabilities. "In the long term, artificial intelligence computing has the largest market potential, as every data center in the future will have artificial intelligence," Chief Executive Jen-Hsun Huang told an audience at a tech forum in Taipei on Wednesday. The development of next-generation technologies including connected devices, driverless cars and smart cities require servers that can handle massive amounts of data, images and videos. "We have to work with server companies such as Quanta and Foxconn [whose formal name is Hon Hai Precision Industry], as we are now a computing platform company but no longer only a gaming graphic processor company," Huang said. While Nvidia controls more than 70% of the high-end PC graphic chip market, it is now locking horns with Intel for data center server-related chips.

I recently consulted with the US Navy on all things "transhuman." In those conversations about how science and technology can help the human race evolve beyond its natural limits, it was clear that military is keen on replacing human soldiers with both fighting and peacekeeping machines so American military lives never have to come under fire or be in harm's way. However, it's the peacekeeping technology that is particularly interesting for many civilians. While you wouldn't want an armed Terminator in your home, you might like a robot that travels with you and offers personal protection, like a bodyguard. In a survey by Travelzoo of 6,000 participants, nearly 80 percent of people said they expect robots to be a significant part of their lives by 2020 -- and that those robots might even join them on holidays.

In this special guest feature, Alexander Khaytin, COO for Yandex Data Factory, explains how businesses can introduce "data democracy" and systematic testing and how agility can be introduced into even the most inflexible of organizations, overcoming the barriers prohibiting machine learning adoption and benefit. As Chief Operating Officer at YDF, Alexander oversees projects from concept to completion, alongside contributing to YDF's partnership, sales and technology strategies. Prior to joining Yandex in 2014, Alexander spent over a decade providing consulting and strategic analysis services for businesses in telecom, construction, energy, retail and finance industries. As a Partner at a system integrator, Korus Consulting, from 2011 to 2014, he ran projects for some of Russia's leading brands, including state-owned hi-tech corporation Rostech, Moscow City Telephone Network, mobile broadband services provider and smartphone manufacturer Yota, Bank Saint Petersburg and Russia's largest e-payment system Yandex.Money. Machine learning has come to play an important role for businesses looking to transform the way they work.

"We will cooperate with each other and exercise leadership to support the early commercialization of automated and connected vehicle technologies," a declaration adopted at a meeting in the resort town of Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, said. Ministers and representatives from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States plus the European Union also pledged in the declaration to set up a group to work on resolving problems pertaining to introducing self-driving cars. "We obtained a common understanding to make efforts in the same direction to create regulation frameworks that (will) tend to vary depending on region," transport minister Keiichi Ishii told a news conference after the meeting. The envisioned international safety regulations would enable automakers to sell the same car models worldwide, resulting in lower sales prices due to mass production, experts say. The declaration noted that the introduction of self-driving cars is expected to have such benefits as reducing traffic accidents, improving efficiencies including logistics and alleviating burdens on drivers.

HYDERABAD: Apple quietly acquired a little-known Hyderabad-based startup a few months ago for an undisclosed amount and while little is known about what Tuplejump does, the word is that this is part of the Cupertino-based giant's exploration into artificial intelligence. Known in the trade as an acqui-hire, nearly all of Tuplejump's 16 employees are in the process of becoming Apple staffers. A back-of-the-envelope calculation by an expert put the valuation at about 20 million (Rs 133 crore). "When there is a talent hire, the cost of hiring is usually calculated based on the last few years' salary," the expert said. "So, for a 16-member team, I think it would probably come up to around 4 million a year -- making this deal for something around 20 million (including for possible IP evaluation)."

Apple has bought Tuplejump, a machine learning technology company with operations in both India and the United States, TechCrunch reports. Apple continues to buy companies with machine learning expertise. The reason the company had its eyes on Tuplejump was for its "FiloDB" project, according to the report. The lead engineer on FiloDB has been working at Apple since this May, according to his LinkedIn. The purchase price is unknown, although it's almost certainly lower than Apple's last machine learning purchase, Turi, which was bought for around 200 million earlier this year.

They are wise-cracking companions, able to communicate in more than six million languages. Others are bent on enslaving or destroying humanity, deeming themselves better, more rational caretakers of the Earth in light of our irrational behaviors. Pilot or garbage man, soldier or slave, hero or villain--robots have played every role imaginable in popular science fiction for nearly a century. In the 21st century, real-life robots inspired by their fictional counterparts are beginning to take starring roles in everyday life. Several companies, Google among them, are testing autonomous cars (unfortunately, there is no indication that they will be able to travel into the past or future anytime soon).

A suspected U.S. drone strike killed four members of al Qaeda's Yemen branch, including a local commander, two unidentified officials in Yemen said Saturday. A vehicle traveling east of the capital Sanaa was reportedly hit by the drone. Officials told Reuters the attack was carried out in Marib province, which is controlled by forces loyal to exiled President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, late Friday. Abu Khaled al-Sanaani, the local commander of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), was among the four dead, officials said. The latest attack was the second drone strike in two days to target a local commander of the militant group, which is regarded by U.S. officials as one of the most dangerous branches of al Qaeda.