On programming a highly parallel machine to be an intelligent technician
Allen Newell · 1960
This paper speculates on how to program a machine that is suitable for microelectronic components to be an intelligent technician. The point of departure is from a class of machines described by J. H. Holland in a concurrent paper entitled, "On Iterative Circuit Computers Constructed of Microelectronic Components and Systems." These machines consist of a regular lattice of active modules, each possessing both processing and memory functions. The goal is a machine with the problem solving capabilities of a smart human technical assistant, and the volume processing capabilities normally associated with digital computers. This goal is chosen because it coincides with many current developments. After discussing the eventual capabilities desired and the most striking features of Holland's machines, the speculation proceeds by considering the basic organization for information processing. This is followed by briefer treatments of the organization for problem solving, supervision, interpretation and production.