The Singularity Is Near

Kurzweil connects Moore’s law to an exploration of how the human brain processes and stores information and how this capacity will be developed through machine intelligence. Moore’s law, predicted in 1965, continues to be relevant to Kurzweil in the mid-2000s.

Through the chapter, Kurzweil breaks down various developments and pathways that he predicts will reach toward the Singularity. He cites 3-D molecular computing and nanotubes as ways in which humans can reach the sixth paradigm. These modes will be very fast. Kurzweil also predicts that computing with molecules will make data storage more robust. In 2002, researchers at the University of Wisconsin and University of Basel developed an atomic memory drive with dense memory capacity.

Other notable features of machine intelligence to match and exceed human intelligence will be self-assembly and self-replication. Self-assembly will allow the machine to discard components that are working improperly or need to be replaced or updated. Inspired by biological processes, these computers will need to be able to self-replicate in a similar way to how DNA constructs nanogrids. In fact, DNA provides several important insights into the future of computation. Its ability to store vast amounts of information creates a model for the types of memory storage that advanced technology will need.