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IBM's Debating AI Is Here to Convince You That You're Wrong

  • Machine faced off against two human champions on Monday
  • The bot can jump into any argument without prior training
Dan Zafrir and Noa Ovadia prepare for their debate against the IBM Project Debater in San Francisco on June 18.

Dan Zafrir and Noa Ovadia prepare for their debate against the IBM Project Debater in San Francisco on June 18.

Photographer: Eric Risberg/AP Photo

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Artificial intelligence has proven itself adept at some of humanity’s favorite games, from chess to the much more complex board game Go. Now, a machine developed by IBM is challenging humans to debates about the future of medicine and the value of physical education.

International Business Machines Corp.’s Project Debater faced off in public for the first time Monday, taking on a crack two-person team of humans, which included the 2016 Israeli national debate champion. The robot held its own during two short debates, and at moments, showed more than a little flair. It even convinced people in the audience to change their minds.