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In 1958, what did Rosenblatt's perceptron learn to tell apart after 50 trials?

Punch cards marked on the left from cards marked on the right.

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  1. Cats from dogs in photos
  2. Spoken words yes and no
  3. Cards marked on the left from the right ✔

Why: In July 1958 the US Office of Naval Research showed Frank Rosenblatt's perceptron running on an IBM 704. After 50 trials it taught itself which side of a punch card was marked.

Huh, didn't know that: The IBM 704 weighed about 5 tons and filled a room. The later Mark I Perceptron hardware is now at the Smithsonian.

The dad joke
The first perceptron could only tell left from right. Honestly, same as me before coffee.
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References

Answer: Cards marked on the left from the right. In July 1958 the US Office of Naval Research showed Frank Rosenblatt's perceptron running on an IBM 704. After 50 trials it taught itself which side of a punch card was marked.

  1. Cornell Chronicle: Professor's perceptron paved the way for AI, 60 years too soon news.cornell.edu/stories/2019/09/professors-perceptron-paved-way-ai-60-years-too-soon
    After 50 trials, the computer taught itself to distinguish cards marked on the left from cards marked on the right.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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