The next wave of computing will be the convergence of biology and IT - this is the view of IBM`s Nicholas Donofrio, senior VP of technology and manufacturing. Donofrio delivered a keynote address on "Innovation for a New Era" at New York`s technology event, TECHXNY, last week.
IBM is researching the autonomic nervous system in the human body.
Nicholas Donofrio, senior VP of technology & manufacturing, IBM
Donofrio said IBM was researching the autonomic nervous system in the human body as the company believed autonomic computing was one of the possible models appropriate for the future.
This complexity will have to be embedded in the system infrastructure itself, including both hardware and software, and automated management. "We find real, live examples in the massively complex systems of the human body, one of which is the autonomic nervous system," said Donofrio.
The autonomic nervous system anticipates the needs and allows individuals to concentrate on what they want to accomplish rather than working out the system needed to get them there.
For example, it tells your heart how fast to beat, checks your blood sugar and oxygen levels and controls your pupils so the correct amount of light reaches your eyes as you read this article. It monitors your temperature and adjusts your blood flow and skin functions to maintain a standard temperature. It controls the digestion of your food and your reaction to stress, including making your hair "stand on end". It carries out these functions across a wide range of external conditions, always maintaining a steady internal state called homeostasis while readying the body for the task at hand.
Donofrio says we have so many examples in the biological world from which we can learn that we must endeavour to utilise our time productively in these areas so that we do not stumble over the complexities which are likely to hinder our progress in the not too distant future.
The revelations from IBM in this new area of research are extremely exciting and I am sure this is only the tip of the iceberg.
We have already witnessed the alignment of IBM with several biotechnology companies and, from the example above, we can expect more moves by IBM and the other major IT players in the industry.
Perhaps we can now better understand some of the new company alignments that are taking place and continue to watch with extra insight and interest.
This is yet another "convergence" scenario which is only just beginning to unfold. The "science" in Computer Science is about to take on a completely new meaning.
Share
