Fifth generation computers and artificial intelligence

The Fifth Generation Computer project proposed by Japan is the first comprehensive effort to consolidate and build up on the progress achieved in artificial intelligence and incorporate this into a new generation of very powerful computers, for use by the common man in his day to day life. Expert systems offer numerous advantages and are being used in a wide variety of real life applications. The author discusses the issues of artificial intelligence, expert systems, computer architectures, knowledge acquisition and use, and the role of developing countries in the advancement of this technology.