Jeopardy to Pit Humans Versus Machine

IBM's 'Watson" computer program may not be able to pass the Turing test of a machine's "intelligence," but its makers are betting it can pass the Trebek test. The computer will compete against two of the most intelligent human contestants in Jeopardy history in three episodes of the game show airing this February, the AP reports. IBM's artificial intelligence team says the show's use of subtleties, puns, and riddles will be the "ultimate challenge" for Watson.

The program has already passed the test human contestants are required to take and has taken part in 50 games against past Jeopardy champions, although the results aren't being disclosed. "We’re thrilled that Jeopardy is considered a benchmark of ultimate knowledge," said the show's executive producer. The winner of the man versus machine matchup will get a $1 million prize. (More Jeopardy stories.)