Machine learning is becoming increasingly important in physics. Two scientists shared the Nobel Prize for their crucial research into this technology.

The Nobel Prize in Physics goes to two researchers who made important breakthroughs in the field of machine learning and AI. Scientists John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton conducted research on neural networks and machine learning, the Nobel Committee said. Hinton is the founder of machine learning technology, on which many contemporary AI applications are based.

Neural networks in physics

In the 1980s, Hopfield developed what he called the Hopfield neural network, which stores and recreates patterns as a type of memory. Hinton used this network as the basis for the first form of machine learning, the Boltzmann machine. He discovered that this network made it possible to recognize patterns in data, such as images.

“The work of these scientists is invaluable. “In physics, we use artificial neural networks in many areas, such as developing new materials with specific properties,” says Ellen Moons, chairwoman of the Nobel Committee for Physics.

Despite the success of AI, Hinton has repeatedly warned about the risks of AI. The pioneer even calls artificial intelligence a greater threat to humanity than global warming. He was astonished when he received the joint Nobel Prize, as he did not know he had been nominated.