When Things Start to Think (ISBN 080505880X)

Amazon.com Review:
A computer in your shoe? Maybe so. Neil Gershenfeld, director of MIT's Media Lab, joins the ranks of techno-prognosticators with When Things Start to Think, and his focus is on how the future of computing will fit into our physical realities. This sensorial focus allows Gershenfeld to explore such science fictional ideas as wearable computers, nanotech circuitry implants, as well as such concerns as emotions, money, and civil rights in the new age of artificial intelligence. Gershenfeld provides a historical overview of the development of computers and extrapolates a world in which we will be forced to deal with things that think all the time. This can't help but reshape our society in ways we must try to imagine. You may be surprised at how far along this road we are--Gershenfeld is in exactly the right place to tell this story, and it's a whole lot of fun (and a little scary) to ride this wave with him. --Adam Fisher

When DESIGNERS Start To Think:
This isn't a book about "things" starting to think, or even computers starting to think. It's about different ways to integrate computing power into our lives so the distinction about "what is a computer" starts to blur. Wearable computers, smart coffepots, tennis shoes with CPUs, all of these are ideas which have become much more accepted (and real) in the 5 years since this book was published. There are two directions computing can grow in the future -- automating tasks we already do (like the above) or, more promisingly, creating new tasks which take advantage of the advantages of computing power. Gershenfeld barely touches on the latter, even though examples are all around us (like the internet). Futurists working on films like Blade Runner, Demolition Man and Minority Report have had more to say. It is only when computing power starts to change the way we live our lives -- for better or worse -- that the true digital revolution will occur. And it probably will be televised.

Personal-Fabrication releasing innovation and talent:
Dr Gershenfeld,the director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Centre for Bits and Atoms believes the next digital revolution will be a personal-fabrication machine costing about $20k. The personal-fabrication machine is made possible through open software, wireless communication, and internet collaboration technology. Gershenfeld like Bill Gates recognizes the potential in connecting the computer to the customer. Gates recognized the power of programmable languages; data presentation through a multitasking, preemptive context switching, and windows interface OS; and aggressive marketing of the microsoft products. Gershenfeld realizes the power of giving the most complex and sophisticated hardware and software to scientist and engineers of poor and remote countries giving them the power to fabricate tools and machines. Gershenfeld approach makes the digital virtual bits become concrete natural material bits. This is not about charity, this is about reducing the cost of production and increasing the quality of the product in cost prohibitive areas of the world. More directly it could mean a change in how consumers acquire the products they need. These tools and machines are cool because they solve simple problems where access to manufactured goods and services are not possible because of cost. Gates received strong support from the engineering and software development community and they rallied too build hundreds of millions of dollars worth of VBX/OCX components. Gershenfeld will need strong support from the community of programmers, scientist, and engineers too build a rich public library of tool/machine/chip schematics available by internet search and all downloadable digitally into the fabrication lab; also, complex scientific theory will need to be delivered, as intuitive concepts for search and application; and engineers and computer scientist will need to write software applications making the Computer Aid Design intuitive and functional. Manufacturing is about process oriented series steps in a complex series of systematic events. Gershenfeld knows that the complexity is massive and reducing this complexity to a simple lab is the first step to bringing engineering and science to the consumer. However, Gershenfeld freely admits that scientist experts, computer experts, and engineering experts will need to be access through the Fab Lab communities. The idea that imperfect components with error correction can build a perfect system is the fundamental law. Machines that can provide a little maintenance can last forever and produce indefinitely, things that become smarter. The personal-fabrication machine will allow individuals and small businesses to customise products meeting their needs and releasing an outpouring of talent. The segmentation between structural design and functionality are bridged by personal-fabrication. Structural engineers can build prototypes and include microchips to provide functionality. Eventually, these microchips will be small wirelessly computers with the ability to provide feedback, make decisions, and start other processes. Personal-fabrication becomes more feasible as the size of the computer reduces and the cost drops and the computer becomes more functional and more closely integrated into all facets of existence. Gernshenfeld poses a thought provoking idea that smart devices should keep context information and this context information should be used by the device to provide helpful reactions. In the case of the product theft device, a small frequency transmits a certain frequency within a magnetic field, a siren goes off, and staff attention is attracted. The amazing fact is that the device cost about one penny. Gernshenfeld explains that the goal is to get more functionality for less money. In the case of the Fab Lab, micro chips cost about 50 to 70 cents. I believe things of demand always become cheapers, so the goal will be getting desired functionality on these chips fast and easy and that takes brains! "Fab lab" version 1.0 includes a laser cutter capable of making two and three dimensional structures, a device that uses a computer-controlled knife to carve, a miniature milling machine, software for programming cheap computer chips known as microcontrollers, and a jigsaw. The "Fab lab" is capable of precision of a millionth of a meter. The purpose is to provide inventors in poor countries with the best technology to solve their problems. Fab Lab provides an scaled down manufacturing fabrication model allowing device creation that is both functional and structural suitable for the need. The end result is a working prototype capable of solving a particular problem. Fab labs have been used to produce jewllery, car parts, agricultural tools, communication equipment, solar power devices, radio collars, wireless networks. The "Fab Lab" makes printing semiconductors, transistors, and other electronic devices as if they were made of paper. Fab Lab will produce things and these things will be smart. Reuse will of things will be a big issue. Hey, how cool would it be too walk into Radio Shack, ask for a demo of the Fab Lab, and build a machine? Remember when the TRS-80 when cost 5k? The concept was cool and now everyone has a computer a million times more powerful. Many companies will ask is it practical to purchase the "Fab Lab" with the proliferation of components that can be ordered by internet or catalogue. I think the Fab Lab will gain in strength as it continues to bridge the gap between form and function. As structural and functional pattern package and standardized by groups these packages will be replicated and the Fab Lab will be the technology for replication. The Fab Lab must build the infrasture to become the bridge between the virtual digital world and the concrete world. The advantages of pure digital storage of pattern is staggering: just in time inventories, richer possiblities for solutions, stronger collaboration between ideas, and open design communities to sponser innovation.

Easy General Overall Read:
When Things Start To Think By Neil Gershenfeld When Things Start To Think was a very interesting overview from the authors personal point of view on of what happens when technology meets the traditional social world that we live in. Much of it is derived from Gershenfields own knowledge as he explores the world of new technology. He admits to discussing thoughout the book about his ground breaking experience with Yo-yo Ma, and how much of his experience is derived around his years in the Media Lab. Emerging from these detailed stories, such as how marries music with technology, we start to understand that his efforts is a vision of a future that is much more "accessible, connected, expressive, and responsive." Gershenfield touches on many various areas of technology from wearable computers, to The Big Blue chess playing super computer, to the future of money. He attempts to cover massive amounts of ground on this huge topic of progressive and intelligent technology that some might not consider this book a very in-depth read. However, I would consider it a wonderful overview for those who are interested about the development and evolution of unique technologies that have inspired us to dream about the future. These dreams help us to envision what possibilities can be done when science, curiosity, and desire to create collide. I don't think that Gershenfield meant this book to be a scholarly one at all, but it was a more causal, easy, and fun read for all to enjoy on a low- tech level. Overall I thought it was a enlightening story on Gresherfield's experiences, and he does drive home the idea that as technology develops out of it's "adolescence" it's important to bring it closer to people so that it's less obtrusive and more useful.

Admittedly incomplete and profound.:
Gershenfeld admits that this book is incomplete. Unless you can be satisfied with an explanation of quantum physics that is a few sentences long, this book is definitely not the be-all and end-all. It might be worth your while just to skip this text and look into his other books "The Nature of Mathematical Modeling" and "The Physics of Information Technology" (I have yet to read these) if you are truly interested in this subject. On the other hand, I fear for those who may be left satisfied with this book. Gershenfeld seems to think that we can allow machines to think for us. My fear lies in the consequences when (not if) these machines break down. For example, we in the firefighting industry call the lights that indicate the water level in a fire engine "idiot lights" because you are an idiot if you rely on them. Any self-respecting pump operator knows these detection systems fail and that they should be able to calculate water levels for themselves. If we are to rely on the more complicated systems he suggests, it follows that it will be increasingly difficult to compensate for them when they break down. Just look at what happens when cell phones, PC's, and networks break down today. Gershenfeld should follow this book with "When Things Become Dumb."

Entertaining and Still Timely:
Neil Gershenfeld uses his experiences in The Media Lab to provide a glimpse of what technology can do and how there is a long way to travel in mindset before it becomes even more useful to us in our daily routines. Even 5 years after its publication date, the insights are fresh and the examples and stories are relevant. I appreciated the intoduction of concepts such as atom-dollars and bit-dollars and the idea of a do-tank. The logical case that assigns the blame for telemarketing to Pope Leo X made me smile. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wonders why his or her VCR isn't smart enough to tell them the time rather than the other way around and who questions why technology hasn't yet evolved to more transparency and provided things with the ability to think about simple but useful tasks that they can accomplish without us having to give specific instructions every time.