Cognitive computing refers to AI-oriented systems designed to simulate, support, or augment aspects of human cognition such as perception, reasoning, learning, and decision-making. The term is sometimes used broadly as a synonym or marketing label for AI, but more precisely emphasizes natural human-machine interaction and decision support.
In general, the term cognitive computing has been used to refer to new hardware and/or software that mimics the functioning of the human brain and helps to improve human decision-making. In this sense, CC is a new type of computing with the goal of more accurate models of how the human brain/mind senses, reasons, and responds to stimulus.