Since the first supercomputers came online in the 1960s and ’70s, they have earned a reputation as high-powered workhorses helping researchers conduct complex calculations. Typically found at major universities and research facilities, the massive machines — which at one time could occupy more than an acre of space in a data center — were often used in science: quantum mechanical physics, molecular modeling or mapping the human genome. Some jobs were less esoteric: IBM’s Deep Blue earned fame in the chess world as an opponent of grand master Garry Kasparov.
>>Proctor & Gamble used its supercomputer to solve a pesky manufacturing problem with Pringles chips. The snack maker had an issue with the design of the popular potato chip -- its design caused it to fly off the line during manufacturing, Corrado said.
"They weren't aerodynamic enough," he explained. "P&G used a supercomputer to do an aerodynamic simulation and now produces Pringles that are aerodynamically sound and do not fly off of the assembly line."<<
That's future, man... I always wanted aerodynamic potatochips!
I remember hearing one Israeli reporter comparing Israel and Palestine saying - while Israel is making computer chips, Palestine is making potato chips... Yeah? But what if these potato chips are aerodynamic..? Huh?
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The Secret Lives of Supercomputers, Part 1
Posted by: Walaika Haskins August 7, 2008 04:00 AMSince the first supercomputers came online in the 1960s and ’70s, they have earned a reputation as high-powered workhorses helping researchers conduct complex calculations. Typically found at major universities and research facilities, the massive machines — which at one time could occupy more than an acre of space in a data center — were often used in science: quantum mechanical physics, molecular modeling or mapping the human genome. Some jobs were less esoteric: IBM’s Deep Blue earned fame in the chess world as an opponent of grand master Garry Kasparov.
"They weren't aerodynamic enough," he explained. "P&G used a supercomputer to do an aerodynamic simulation and now produces Pringles that are aerodynamically sound and do not fly off of the assembly line."<<
That's future, man... I always wanted aerodynamic potatochips!
I remember hearing one Israeli reporter comparing Israel and Palestine saying - while Israel is making computer chips, Palestine is making potato chips... Yeah? But what if these potato chips are aerodynamic..? Huh?