Cybernaut

Videosculpture, 2003

<>

Is thinking programmable? Can machines think?

Th early AI-research was based on the assumption that seemingly complex intelligent ways of acting and thinking can be reduced to simple mechanisms. These were assumed to be explainable and executable. This cognitive paradigm presumes the possibility of answering unsolved philosophical problems empirically through technical solutions (computer simulation): This results in logical problem solving operations like the computational solution of human thinking (cognitive simulation), of the 'Logic Theorist' and the GPS(General Problem Solver) whereby the focus was set to simulate, perfect and enhance the cognitive performance of computers.

In particular, Darpa's 'ontology-based (sub)system', whose LifeLog program aims to track the threads of a humans life in terms of events, condition and relationships, guided the development of the Cybernaut (Wired Interview).

The Cybernaut – a disguised, trivialising machine of visual perception directly from the catwalk of the laboratories.



Cybernaut is watching you

[Data]

Images of the Installation here (.zip 60kb)


[Presented at]

'Fleischkäs' medialab Sihlpapier Zürich, Switzerland, 2002

Dachkantine Zürich, Switzerland, 2004


[Technology]

Software: GNU/Linux http://www.debian.org/, Hasciicam http://ascii.dyne.org/
Hardware: B/W CCD-Videochips, Vacuumcleaner, CRT displays