Cognitive computing, a subfield of artificial intelligence, simulates human thought processes in machines using self-learning algorithms through data mining, pattern recognition, and natural language processing. These artificial environments rely on deep learning algorithms and neural networks to process information by comparing it to a teaching set of data. By mimicking human thought processes, computers help people make better and easier decisions. Given these machine-human interactions, cognitive computing can also be described as Augmented Intelligence.

Cognitive Computing Use Cases Include:

• Delivering actionable sporting tips to athletes during a game or competition.
• Providing better knowledge about diseases and the course of treatment for patients.
• Advising investment strategists on leveraging information to make decisions buying or selling in a marketplace.
• Enabling blind or visually impaired people to navigate around physical space.
• Responding to the emotional tone from an audience to a change of clothing color.

Other Definitions of Cognitive Computing Include:

• “A mashup of cognitive science—the study of the human brain and how it functions—and computer science.” (Forbes)
• “Systems that learn at scale, reason with purpose and interact with humans naturally.” (IBM)
• “Technology platforms that, broadly speaking, are based on the scientific disciplines of artificial intelligence and signal processing.” (International Conference on Cognitive Computing)

Businesses Use Cognitive Computing To:

• Do augmented analytics
• Identify trends and patterns to deliver actionable recommendations
• Understand human language and interact with customers and workers more naturally
• Assess risks in real time
• Produce accurate results (if the data sets are good)

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