Emerging Technologies SIG series – What is cognitive AI (and how it is different than ChatGPT and co)

To provide additional information related to the Emerging Technologies SIG of the FINOS/Linux Foundation, I start a miniseries of posts going deeper into some of the technologies mentioned there. If you are interested in participating, please add your remarks at the Special Interest Group – Emerging Technologies item on the FINOS project board.


Cognitive AI and ChatGPT are two different types of artificial intelligence (AI) that operate in distinct ways. While ChatGPT is a large language model designed to generate human-like responses to textual prompts, cognitive AI is a more general term that refers to AI systems that are designed to emulate human cognitive functions such as perception, reasoning, and decision-making.

Cognitive AI is a type of AI that is modeled after the way that the human brain processes information. These systems are designed to recognize patterns, make predictions, and learn from experience, much like humans do. Cognitive AI systems can be used in a variety of applications, including speech and image recognition, natural language processing, and decision support.

One of the key differences between cognitive AI and ChatGPT is the scope of their abilities. While ChatGPT is primarily focused on generating human-like responses to textual prompts, cognitive AI systems are designed to be more flexible and adaptable, capable of handling a wider range of tasks.

Cognitive AI systems are typically more complex than ChatGPT, as they require advanced algorithms and data structures to support their functionality. They also typically require more data to train, as they need to learn from a wider range of inputs and experiences.

Another key difference between cognitive AI and ChatGPT is their level of explainability. ChatGPT generates responses based on statistical patterns found in large datasets, which can make it difficult to understand how it arrives at a particular response. Cognitive AI, on the other hand, is designed to be more transparent and explainable, with clear pathways for understanding how it arrives at its conclusions.

In terms of their applications, cognitive AI has a broader range of potential uses than ChatGPT. For example, cognitive AI can be used in healthcare to analyze patient data and make diagnoses, in finance to analyze market trends and make investment decisions, and in manufacturing to optimize production processes. While ChatGPT and cognitive AI are both forms of artificial intelligence, they operate in distinct ways and have different capabilities.

ChatGPT is primarily focused on generating human-like responses to textual prompts, while cognitive AI is designed to emulate human cognitive functions such as perception, reasoning, and decision-making. Cognitive AI is more complex and adaptable than ChatGPT, with a broader range of potential applications, but it also requires more data and is typically more transparent and explainable.

There are a number of examples of cognitive AI systems that are currently in use or in development. Some examples include:

  • IBM Watson: IBM Watson is a cognitive AI system that uses natural language processing and machine learning algorithms to understand and analyze large amounts of unstructured data, such as medical records, research papers, and social media posts.
  • Google DeepMind: Google DeepMind is a cognitive AI system that uses deep learning algorithms to analyze and interpret complex data, such as images and videos. It has been used in a number of applications, including healthcare, finance, and gaming.
  • Microsoft Cortana: Microsoft Cortana is a cognitive AI system that uses natural language processing and machine learning algorithms to understand and respond to user queries. It is integrated into a number of Microsoft products, including Windows and Xbox.
  • Amazon Alexa: Amazon Alexa is a cognitive AI system that uses natural language processing and machine learning algorithms to understand and respond to user requests. It is integrated into a number of Amazon products, including the Echo and Fire TV.
  • Tesla Autopilot: Tesla Autopilot is a cognitive AI system that uses machine learning algorithms to analyze data from sensors and cameras in order to navigate and control a vehicle. It is designed to assist drivers and improve safety on the road.

These are just a few examples of the many cognitive AI systems that are currently in use or in development. As the field of AI continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more sophisticated and powerful cognitive AI systems emerge in a wide range of industries and applications.

Cognitive AI is a rapidly evolving field, with new developments and advancements being made all the time. Here are some of the ways in which cognitive AI is expected to evolve in the near future:

  • Increased focus on explainability: As cognitive AI becomes more widely used, there is a growing demand for systems that are transparent and explainable. This means that AI systems will need to be designed in a way that allows humans to understand how they arrive at their conclusions and decisions.
  • Improved natural language processing: One of the key challenges in cognitive AI is developing systems that can understand and generate human language with a high degree of accuracy. As natural language processing technology continues to improve, we can expect to see more sophisticated and natural interactions between humans and cognitive AI systems.
  • Greater integration with human workers: While some people have expressed concerns about AI replacing human workers, many experts believe that cognitive AI will actually work in tandem with human workers, augmenting their abilities and providing new opportunities for collaboration.
  • Advancements in machine learning: Machine learning is a key component of cognitive AI, and ongoing research is expected to lead to new algorithms and approaches that improve the accuracy and effectiveness of these systems.
  • Applications in new industries and contexts: As cognitive AI continues to evolve, we can expect to see it being used in new industries and contexts, such as education, entertainment, and environmental monitoring.

Overall, the future of cognitive AI looks very promising, with ongoing advancements and developments opening up new possibilities for how we can use these systems to improve our lives and solve complex problems. However, it will be important to ensure that these systems are developed and deployed in a responsible and ethical manner, with careful consideration given to their potential impact on society and the environment. Going again over the pink clouds, downwards, while cognitive AI has made significant progress in recent years, there are still several limitations that need to be addressed in order for these systems to reach their full potential. Here are some of the current limitations of cognitive AI and the plans to overcome them:

  • Lack of transparency and interpretability: One of the biggest challenges facing cognitive AI is the lack of transparency and interpretability in how these systems arrive at their decisions. This makes it difficult for humans to trust and understand the results produced by AI systems. Researchers are working on developing techniques to increase transparency and interpretability, such as creating visualizations of the decision-making process or providing clear explanations for the reasoning behind a decision.
  • Data bias: Cognitive AI systems are only as good as the data they are trained on. If the data is biased or incomplete, the AI system will also be biased and incomplete. Researchers are working on developing techniques to address bias in data, such as collecting more diverse data and using algorithms that can detect and correct for bias.
  • Limited context awareness: Cognitive AI systems are currently limited in their ability to understand and interpret contextual information, such as social cues or situational factors. Researchers are working on developing techniques to improve context awareness, such as using deep learning algorithms to analyze context-rich data sources.
  • Computational limitations: Cognitive AI systems require a significant amount of computational power and storage capacity in order to function effectively. Researchers are working on developing more efficient algorithms and hardware to address these computational limitations.
  • Ethical considerations: The use of cognitive AI raises a number of ethical considerations, such as privacy, security, and bias. Researchers and policymakers are working on developing ethical guidelines and frameworks to ensure that these systems are developed and deployed in a responsible and ethical manner.

In conclusion, while there are still some limitations to cognitive AI, researchers and developers are actively working on developing new techniques and technologies to address these challenges. As cognitive AI continues to evolve, we can expect to see these systems become more sophisticated, accurate, and useful in a wide range of applications.