On Chasing the Ether of Intelligent Systems
Presented by DR. JAMES A. GUFFEY

For over 50 years people have been trying to produce systems that are as intelligent as people. The question today is, can we ever make such a system, do we really need them, and do we really want them? Is a truly intelligent system really ever going to be possible, or is it a nonexistent, unobtainable objective This presentation describes one perspective on this question based on the idea that there is a continuum from automated systems to intelligent ones and what we perceive at first glance to be an intelligent respond is founded on the “robustness” of the system; i.e. the number and types of layers of contingency planning that is incorporated into the software. The better a system can successfully respond to more and more complicated scenarios, the more it is thought to be intelligent. At some point, if a system could be built that had the robustness of a human for certain problems we would still be faced with the underlying question of its inherent intelligence. The paper will conclude with observations about how and where intelligent, adaptive applications can successfully add capability into our products. You’ll have to come to the presentation to find out more.

Jim Guffey has been involved in unmanned systems at Boeing over the last several decades including the Grand Challenge. He has earned a BS in Physics, both an MS and PhD in Experimental Atomic Physics, and an MBA. Dr .Guffey initiated the first in-house investigations into the use and applicability of Artificial Intelligence Technology at MCAIR in 1984 and was the Technical/Deputy Program Manager of the Pilot’s Associate program, which built an AI-based system to assist a fighter pilot in performing future advanced combat missions.   That software architecture was the basis for the Rotor Craft Pilot’s Associate system, which in turn was the genesis of the Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle and some unmanned vehicles of the Future Combat System program.

This presentation is sponsored by the Midwest Gateway chapter of the International Council on Systems Engineering. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, 25 October 2006 in Boeing Bldg 304, Room 468 at Lindbergh.& James McDonnell Blvd. from 11:30-12:30. Networking and lunch will begin at 11:00. There is no charge for INCOSE members although there is a $5 lunch contribution for nonmembers.

No reservation needed, but please E-mail Bill Schoening at william.w.schoening@boeing.com if you plan to attend for a count and badging for non-Boeing attendees. Charts and a telecon hookup will be available upon request.

Bill Schoening 
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