[ahoya]

HAL is a transposition of the lettres IBM

[ghaff]

Both Kubrick and Clarke denied a connection. As tends to be the case with such seemingly improbable (perhaps) coincidences, maybe someone got cute but decided to keep it to themselves for reasons.

[dredmorbius]

IBM logos are present on numerous devices within the film, and are ... not dissimilar to those for HAL.

The denials ring rather hollow, and seem strongly motivated.

<https://teddit.net/r/MovieDetails/comments/7b2fl7/in_2001_a_...>

<https://external-preview.redd.it/UaOzf5xK0OqmVmLnhBYVm1Vu_5J...>

<https://www.slate.fr/sites/default/files/photos/capture-decr...>

<https://www.heyuguys.com/stanley-kubrick-film-theories/3/>

<https://collativelearning.com/PICS%20FOR%20WEBSITE/stills%20...>