Cognitive is not a tool

Cognitive computing is not a tool.  It's not a series of tools.  Cognitive computing is a journey that starts with a first step.  Cognitive is a journey that once begun, you can't help but see the world through a cognitive computing lens.

Here in Las Vegas at IBM's World of Watson conference this week Ginni Rometty remarked that a programmed system loses value over time while a trained cognitive system increases in value over time.  Cognitive tools like Watson are going to upend the value proposition of technology investments.

Watson - Making the World a Better Place, one App at a Time

I was in Austin, Texas recently for some high level Watson meetings.  The purpose was to catch up on my cognitive project and make sure it was on track, which it is.  While I was there, I hung out with some of my friends from Cerebri AI and attended the launch of 

Austin 211, a new social services app that will make the world a better, more cognitive place to live.

 

The app, Austin 211, was created by Cerebri AI to connect people with the services offered by the United Way of Austin.  The difference is that this is completely smart phone enabled, and with a few clicks can answer questions and, based on location, direct the user to the resources they need to improve their quality of life.  There's even a list of most common questions asked, so users can quickly find the solution to what ails them.  The coolest part of this is Watson is cotinuously learning about what users needs are, and can use that information to make suggestions for the user.

I'm fortunate that I have never been in a position to need any United Way services, but the fact that anyone can get tailored answers immediately from a mobile device in a time of need makes me excited that technology is being used to make lives better in this way.  

iPhone screen capture from Austin 211 app