Turing Test

Named after scientist Alan Turing, the Turing test tests a machine's ability to demonstrate intelligence. A human judge engages in a text conversation with one human and one machine appearing human. If the judge cannot tell which is which, then the machine passes the test. Passing the test requires the machine to use natural language, to reason, to have knowledge and to learn. The test was described in Alan Turing's 1950 paper "Computing Machinery and Intelligence, a seminal work in the field of Artificial Intelligence.

The CAPTCHA test, developed by Websense, is an automated test to tell humans and computers apart. It is not a real Turing test since it is automatic. It it used to detect spammers and requires computer users to pass a test of reading distorted text. It was originally developed for Yahoo! but is now used for other email programs and Web sites.

• The Vancouver Sun: Hackers complicate online ticket purchases (March 14, 2009)

• TG Daily: MIT professors honored with Turing Award and $250,000 (March 10, 2009)

• EETimes.com: AI researchers think 'Rascals' can pass Turing test (March 12, 2008)

• Slashdot: AI Researchers Say 'Rascals' Might Pass Turing Test (March 13, 2008)

• Danger Room (Wired): 'Turing' Test for Killer Robots (February 29, 2008)

• Topix: Turing Test Searchhttp://www.topix.com/rss/search/article?q=Turing+Test

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