The length of time until computers can actually reason, adapt, think, problem solve, tell stories, and understand and create humor? These are generally your concerns which computer scientists focusing on Artificial Intelligence BI programming and theory are wondering today. When does a machine, or pc become aware, conscious of itself, thus alive, and thinking?
Much of this is philosophical, because of this that some wonder back, that is to say; are humans really thinking or merely addressing stimuli in a very predictable way?
Recently, there have been some top scientists and computer engineers from the field suggesting that mankind in the search for a thinking computer, true intelligence, has moved inside the wrong direction, and that a neural network, which could certainly be a completely different configuration would be more appropriate, something much less dissimilar from what sort of Internet works where each point might do many calculations or different kinds.
Then there is another group insisting that true artificial intelligence needs the ability to forget to be able to be effective so that it doesn't exhibit schizophrenic behavior (that is observed mind you), along with the capacity to make mistakes.
Simply mimicking human expression, or responding using data bases of phrases is not really thinking. Even CRM software which touts itself being artificially intelligent driven isn't really aware, it's not really thinking, and even though it might pass the Turing Test; the ability to fool a human into believing it's really a real person they're talking too. And yet, I'd suggest a true thinking computer would be able to consider the reverse, and realize whether or not it can be talking to an actual human or speaking with another computer.
Perhaps later on dozens of lines can become so blurred as to increase the risk for Turing Test irrelevant?
Indeed, there are entire chains of AI computers which speak with one another in Internet Forums. It seems as though it is just a conversation between a couple, nevertheless the dialogue is totally shallow, with no original thinking really, even though some in the responses are interesting, some laughable, but humans too make stupid remarks often enough the other only has to surf Facebook for 5-minutes to see that.
Will computers be capable to think? Well, assuming you mean; the best way humans think, the solution is yes, eventually.
Currently, it appears the Turing Test may be achieved, but I ask is that the real test or threshold we should be considering. The first choice for thought not merely will AI become aware, but it will out think humans by combining the best of both worlds, likewise modified humans, "transhumans" for a moment, coupled to computer devices will do the identical, which my buddies is only a a few time. So, please consider all of this and think into it.