fifth-generation computer

Anticipated new type of computer based on emerging microelectronic technologies with high computing speeds and parallel processing. The development of very large-scale integration (VLSI) technology, which can put many more circuits onto an integrated circuit (chip) than is currently possible, and developments in computer hardware and software design may produce computers far more powerful than those in current use.

It has been predicted that such a computer will be able to communicate in natural spoken language with its user; store vast knowledge databases; search rapidly through these databases, making intelligent inferences and drawing logical conclusions; and process images and ‘see’ objects in the way that humans do.

In 1981 Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry launched a ten-year project to build the first fifth-generation computer, the ‘parallel inference machine’, consisting of over a thousand microprocessors operating in parallel with each other. By 1992, however, the project was behind schedule and had only produced 256-processor modules and was closed down soon after. It has since been suggested that research into other technologies, such as neural networks, may present more promising approaches to artificial intelligence. Compare earlier computer generations.