Japan plans computer to mimic human brain: Washington declines to sign on, seeing project as scheme to help Japan

Article Abstract:

The Japanese government is organizing a ten-year plan designed to develop a computer that emulates the human brain by understanding speech and interpreting facial expressions. The plan is called the Real-World Computing Program and brings together research projects that explore massively parallel processing and brain-like neural networks. There is some confusion surrounding the program because it is not as focused as previous Japanese projects have been. The Japanese government has also decided to allow foreign companies and universities to participate in the research. The US government is discouraging American companies from joining the research efforts because of fears that the best technology and ideas will be exploited by Japanese companies.

Electronic computers, Computer industry, Japan, Outlook, Strategic Planning, Industry-Sponsored Research, Foreign Competition, International Organizations

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Intel to spend up to a billion this year

Article Abstract:

Intel Corp plans to spend $1 billion on equipment and new plants in 1991. The semiconductor company puts a large increase in its planned capital spending, which is up sharply from the $670 million it spent in 1990 and the $450 million it spent in 1989. Industry observers note that Intel is the first US semiconductor company that will spend $1 billion in one year. Japanese competitors, which are busy making dynamic RAM (DRAM) chips, plan to spend between $600 million to $800 million in 1991. Intel is following a Japanese strategy of spending heavy during a recession so as to gain an advantage over competitors. Analysts note that other US semiconductor companies will not be able to match Intel's spending.

Semiconductors and related devices, Semiconductor industry, Intel Corp., INTC, DRAM (Dynamic random access memory), DRAM, Competition

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