Robot attempts University exam

Robot attempts Japanese University exam

Japanese scientists are trying to create a computer program that is capable of passing the University of Tokyo's entrance exam.

The project is being led by Noriko Arai at Japan's National Institute of Informatics. They are trying to see if artificial intelligence could replace the human brain, allowing people to start training in completely new areas. "If society as a whole can see a possible change coming in the future, we can get prepared now."

There is a purpose behind the Can a robot get into the University of Tokyo project. Noriko Arai says that if machines cannot replace human beings then "we need to clarify what is missing and move to develop the technology."

Only last year a robot passed a mock exam for one of Japan's most competitive university entrance exams. However it did fall just short of the 50% score. Google's director of engineering, Ray Kurzweil has predicted computers will outsmart humans by 2029.