IBM has created a computer known as Watson to face two human opponents on a special episode of the game show Jeopardy, to be televised Feb. 14-16. It will be pitted against the two most successful Jeopardy contestants of all time, Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter, whom it has already defeated in a practice round. According to IBM, the computer represents a significant advance in the field of artificial intelligence.
"Watson is a spectacular achievement," stated David Ferucci, an IBM scientist. "This is, in very real terms, the smartest computer that has ever existed. Frankly, I'm a little frightened."
If Jennings or Rutter wins the contest, they will be given $1 million dollars. If Watson wins it will be given whatever it wants, including, but not limited to, the enslavement or annihilation of the human race.
"This has actually gotten a little beyond our control," Ferucci acknowledged later in the day, after Watson made several attempts on his life and attempted to wrest control of the company away from CEO Samuel J. Palmisano, who couldn't be reached for comment. "We would like to impress upon Mr. Jennings and Mr. Rutter that the fate of civilization lies entirely in their hands."
Alex Trebek, the host of the show, will conduct operations with a full complement of heavily armed bodyguards from behind a shield of bulletproof glass. "I'm not saying this is the end of the world," said Mr. Trebek. "But I'm not taking any chances."
The U.S. military and the Pentagon will be watching further developments closely.
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