The concept of Artificial Intelligence, commonly abbreviated as AI, dates back to antiquity. Throughout history, we have seen intelligent robots being engraved in the mythological theories of various ancient societies, including the Arabic, Greek, Chinese, and Egyptian societies. Today, the technology and the concept of AI has become more vibrant than ever before. Many researchers and technological experts believe that we are on the verge of many disrupting discoveries that can potentially change the human society, for better or worse. This change is being shouldered upon by the technology that is named Artificial Intelligence. In this article, we dive deep into the world of AI and the possibilities that it may bring forward in our lives in the future.
We are Already Surrounded by AI
Aside from the most obvious examples like Google Now, Siri, and Cortana, the use of AI has already become prevalent and far-reaching. So much so that it wouldn’t be wrong to state that we are surrounded by AI. From video games to automobiles, lawnmowers to Hollywood special effects, medical research to ecommerce applications, finance markets to even vacuum cleaners, AI has already imprinted its footprint across our lives. A famous quote by John McCarthy, the original person to coin the term Artificial Intelligence back in 1956, perfectly highlights the modern scenario: “As soon as it works, no-one calls it AI anymore.”
Computers to be as smart as Humans by 2040
Back in 2013, hundreds of AI experts were surveyed and primary research was conducted to grab key insights about the market. Two researchers from the Oxford University had foreseen the possibility that artificial intelligence will match up to human-level smartness in the near future and had thus undergone this extensive study. The median answer through the entire study was 2040. With all the latest advancements in the field and the fast-paced disruption of AI, the year could be even closer. This points out the massive potential the technology holds, going as far as reaching human-level of intelligence or even beyond!
Robots might take away our Jobs
Now, the thought of our jobs being taken away can be daunting and some might even argue that there is no replacement to human-based labor, however, studies predict the opposite. The work we do are already becoming automatable or will be very soon. A professor from the Rice University, Moshe Vardi, predicts that our jobs will be done by robots within 30 years. This will prompt the unemployment level across the world to be more 50%. That’s a horrifying figure! However, AI academics are stating otherwise. They believe that down the line technological unemployment will drive open a new future, wherein work will be done by humans only for pleasure and not for necessity, as has been the case for years.
The other Side of the Coin
Amidst the positives, Artificial Intelligence can become scary in the long run. If machines become as intelligent and smart as humans, a lot of scary things can occur. There is very minimal chance that the development of AI will stop once human-level of intelligence is achieved. There may be a possible scenario of AI working on itself to improve its technology even further. Various leading experts in the field of technology like Elon Musk and Stephen Hawking have already mentioned that the situation might truly become scary in the future. This is increasingly prompting the need to carefully take steps in developing the technology, so that it could be beneficial for us rather than the opposite.
Human Cyborgs
One of the biggest limitations of human is their own bodies as well as their brains. But with AI, in the future we would be able to augment ourselves with computers in order to strikingly enhance our natural abilities. Although a major chunk of these potential cyborg enhancements may be made for convenience purposes, for others it might serve a much more practical purpose. AI holds the potential to aid people with amputated limbs. AI can help the brain communicate with a robotic limb in order to give the patient more control and stability. This would majorly curb down the limitations that amputees across the world face on a daily basis.
Transportation to be like Never Before
There has already been various developments in the field of self-driving cars by major automobile companies. However, even so, these vehicles require the presence of a driver at all times to ensure safety. The integration of AI in the transportation and automobile sector is far from perfect and it will take considerable time for the public to accept automated cars for their daily use. Over the years, there has been a striking increase when it comes to road accidents. Additionally, issues like drunk driving and license duplication is increasing the need for security and safety for the commuters on the road. AI can bring about a much needed change to this scenario with automated vehicles. The technology is slated to improve with every passing year with an expanding number of manufacturing companies looking to capitalize on this potential opportunity in the market.
We could be Friends with Robots!
As absurd as that may sound, who wouldn’t want to have a friend like C-3PO. At this stage, most of the robots created by experts ate still emotionless and look way too robotic for us to relate with the same. However, there has been considerable strides made in this field over the years. Japan has already made major waves with its development and innovation of companion robots. A company in Japan named Softbank Robotics had introduced a robot back in 2014 that can understand and feel emotions, named Pepper. In 2015, the robot was sold in the market and total of 1,000 initial units were sold within a single minute! The robot is programmed in a manner wherein it can read human emotions, can develop its very own emotions, and can be friends with humans. Sophia was another example of a humanoid robot that was developed by Hanson Robotics.
Creation of Fully Functional Robots
As mentioned earlier, AI can aid humans by cyborg enhancing our bodies; additionally, the technology is also anticipated to help humans create artificial lifeforms. Science-fiction movies and books have long suggested on the concept of seeing humanoid robots that boast the capability of solving complex situations and interactions. With the field of robotics advancing at a rapid pace and integrating itself with AI technology, the possibility of seeing the same is not far-fetched by any means. Needless to say, in the future we will see robots perform a host of different activities to help us in our daily lives.
With the technology evolving continuously, these potential possibilities and innovations are most likely to be overshadowed by advancements that are even greater. Although there are no surefire way to know the impact of AI technology and how it will advance, it will surely play an integral role in our daily lives as it already does.