Machine learning is becoming increasingly important in physics. Two scientists were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize for their crucial research on this technology.
The Nobel Prize in Physics goes to two researchers who made major breakthroughs in machine learning and AI. Scientists John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton conducted research on neural networks and machine learning, according to the Nobel committee. Hinton is the founder of the machine learning technology on which many of today’s AI applications are based.
Neural networks in physics
Hopfield developed the self-named Hopfield neural network in the 1980s, which stores and recreates patterns like memory. Hinton used that network as the basis for the first form of machine learning, the Boltzmann machine. He discovered that it was possible to use that network to recognize patterns in data, such as images.
“The work of these scientists is invaluable. In physics, we use artificial neural networks in a wide range of areas, such as the development of new materials with specific properties,” said Ellen Moons, the chair of the Nobel Committee on Physics.
Despite the success of AI, Hinton has warned several times about its risks. The pioneer even calls artificial intelligence a greater danger to humanity than global warming. He was perplexed when he received the shared Nobel Prize, as he did not know he was nominated.
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