DO YOU THINK, THEY THINK? Special exhibition "Computer.Gehirn" ("Computer.Brain") at the Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum from 25.10.2001 to 1.3.2002 Will robots be as intelligent as people in 20 years from now? Are artificial human beings about to take over the world? Against the backdrop of such questions, the Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum (HNF) in Paderborn is presenting a special exhibition "Computer.Gehirn" from 25th October to 1st March. The HNF offers visitors a fascinating experience as it takes stock of current research: At what stage of development is artificial intelligence (AI) in comparison with the capabilities of the human brain? What do we know about the most mysterious organ of the human body, the brain, and its functions? Is it possible to construct an exact replica of the brain? Can electronic brains really "think"? Computers have long been almost invincible when it comes to playing chess. But how about other aspects of intelligence, about knowledge, communication, creativity? The backdrop to the exhibition is the current debate on the possibilities and consequences of technological development, as initiated by Ray Kurzweil, Hans Moravec, Bill Joy and others. The prospects arouse enthusiasm and alarm in equal measure. Spectacular objects from around the world demonstrate how far development has already progressed. Six areas are provided in which the visitor can penetrate the "world of the senses", test the latest "intelligence tools", learn what computers are not yet capable of, and take a trip through time incorporating visions of the past and future. Trying out and testing is at the heart of this exhibition, which provides such a wide range of interactive options for visitors. A cinema capable of producing scents can be experienced alongside some of the latest walking robots, while emotional robots are on display next to R2D2. A robot hand from the "Deutsche Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt" (Germany's aerospace centre), a computer-controlled electric motor-racing set and a painting computer are other prominent exhibits. Germany's Federal Minister for Education and Research, Edelgard Bulmahn, is patron of the exhibition. "Computer.Gehirn" is a satellite event of the "Year of the Life Sciences". A 300-page catalogue is being issued by the Schöningh publishing house to accompany the exhibition. Educational museum programmes offer children and youngsters alike a better understanding of the world of robots and provide exciting sensory experiences in the fields of touch, smell, taste, sight and sound. Two series of lectures round off the exhibition programme. "What
is man? Between ape and robot" and "Cyborgs, androids,
robots: Man and machine in the film world" assure a varied
evening programme. Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum
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