Impact of Networked Cognition and Learning on Engineered Systems [Further Thoughts]

The research community is witnessing expansive efforts aimed at understanding one of the most wondrous manifestations of cognition in nature. The Blue Brain Project and the Human Brain Project in Europe are examples of ambitious drives aimed at building a virtual brain machine and at understanding the complexities of the human brain. In the United States, the recently launched Brain Initiative aspires to understand the dynamics of the billions of neurons in the brain at the cellular level. These are laudable efforts that will likely lead to new insights and treatment methods. They will also influence progress in many supporting disciplines including biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering. We are only touching the surface of this immense landscape and even today, we continue to have limited understanding of how networks of simple neurons are capable of producing so much sophistication. It is an astounding feat that elements with limited sensing and processing abilities, interacting locally, are able to transcend into a complex system with superior sensing and cognitive abilities at the higher level.