AI

This is the time of artificial intelligence. It has been claimed to have an amazing potential to improve our understanding of many different scientific fields. It has been argued that it has the ability to learn and do boring repetitive tasks without complaint. Many areas of productivity and innovation do appear to appreciate the benefits of AI, although some Chess Masters might not have been that happy once the IBM Deep Blue in 1997 beat the reigning world champion.

In the medical world the use of AI has once again been discussed and it has been put forward that great improvement can be made through the implementation of AI in this field. Medical input and AI technology working in unison has been successful in achieving feats of physical movement and brain coordination, studies have provided optimistic results and this has enhanced capabilities in life for so many people. Routine operations can arguably become more efficiently performed with the benefit of artificial intelligence and with the onset of time and energy benefits, it can be hard not to consider AI as a way forward.

However there are some aspects that trouble me and caution would suggest that letting go of total control might be a step too far. The driverless car has obvious benefits and risks but the reduction of personal influence over technical decisions that can easily drive you into dismay does not fill me with certainty. Many a time navigation systems can deviate and need adjusting, similarly the driverless car could end up taking control away when one needs to make a judgement call. Technology assisted by AI can aid or diminish choices. AI when placed in a home environment or in a house that is under the complete control of artificial intelligence technology sends shivers up my spine. There are visions of contrary robotic decisions eroding human choice and scenarios whereby AI controlled functions in a building overriding that of the human counterpart’s own inclination. The relatively recent incidents of plane crashes caused by machine over man's attempt to regain control of the plane can not be ignored. These kinds of worries and real examples should be part of AI technology's future and help to improve possibilities in varied domains.

Then and more recently applicable is the question, is that a genuine picture or an artificial replica? How about that speech, book or play? The world of forgery can produce an avalanche of items that could escape detection. Each era produces challenges and progress is made by learning new ways of adapting to a fresh way of doing things but AI could certainly make things intriguing.

For me, what fires my imagination are films that highlight the competitive relationship of artificial intelligence as opposed to mankind's natural way of being. It is so interesting to contrast things that we think of as being normal to an intelligence that is simply analytical. Coming home one day to find your most recent robot acquisition is having fun vaping, drinking and playing loud music is my point.

There is one very important feature of humanity and that is emotion. Even the Stepford Wives lacked this trait. For the time being I think it is safe to say there is a marked difference in the way artificial intelligence views the world. AI is being improved, adapted and integrated into so many forms of what we do and if we remember what is important, then this should help the AI of the future.