Assignment B-1 - Alexander Koo - A Team

AI: Artificial Intelligence:

The term ‘Artificial Intelligence’ is often perceived as the one shown in science fiction movies where AI is often portrayed as robot with human-like characteristics. Realty is however, far from that. It could be described as the theory and development of computer systems being able to perform tasks requiring human intelligence such as perception, speech decision, decision-making and many other features. The term AI was created by John McCarthy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1956. [1] 

 

Artificial intelligence today is properly known as narrow AI or weak AI, meaning that it is designed to perform a narrow task such as facial recognition or simple assembly tasks. [2] The long term goal of researches is to create a general AI (AGI) or strong AI which would outperform humans at many cognitive task. Narrow AI can already outperform humans at their specific task. Strong AI would therefore completely change the possibilities of modern day technology. There is currently no computers being able to exhibit full artificial intelligence. The main goal of AI is to impact today’s society in a beneficial way. The use of AI range from economics and law to engineering disciplines.

One particular topic is the future of artificial intelligence and cybernetics. Until the last decade, the thought of such possibility was unnecessary. However, the recent advancement in technology have proved that biology and technology can in fact be linked together in a cybernetic way – essentially ultimately combining humans and machines in a relatively permanent manner. [3] Computer Interfaces are already used for therapeutic purposes to overcome medical or neurological problems and one example is the deep brain stimulation (DBS) capable of relieving the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It is therefore possible to think of all the possibilities created through the use of such technology such as human enhancement such as high speed regeneration. This can be seen through the use of electroencephalography (EEG) where the electrical activity of the brain is monitored and analysed for further research. [3] This technology seems very promising but might raise some ethical questions in the near future. Of course, many other benefits can be obtained through the use of Artificial Intelligence. 

As seen on Alsaleem's post from Group C, Artificial Intelligence have truly revolutionise modern dat technology and society. The use of AI in robots in different fields such as the Medical field gives a glimpse of what the infinite potential of the use of AI.

References:

[1] http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/A/artificial_intelligence.html

[2] http://futureoflife.org/background/benefits-risks-of-artificial-intelligence/

[3] https://www.technologyreview.com/s/602830/the-future-of-artificial-intelligence-and-cybernetics/

Comments:

Ronny- I never really thought about the possibilities offered by perceptual computing but your post really made me think about how this technology can be used to benefit society. Modern computer technology allows the user constantly evolves and allow the user to accomplish task in a more user friendly and efficient way. The future of computational power and networking also seems very promising and that can be seen through the release of faster and more powerful computers. My post also speaks about the use of AI and cybernetics where the human brain will be connected to a computer. This will enable a person to a world of further potential. It, however, might raise some ethical questions. Did you think about human enhancement through the use of AI? https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/01/assignment-b1-group-ronald-herazo.html

 

Drew Hovey – I agree with the fact that ethics need to be implemented in the professional training of engineers. Artificial Intelligence is a tool that should only be use to benefit society and therefore should be regulated. It is true that AI is far from matching humans but we can already see that it is on the right track to do so. A few years ago, the idea of a self-driving car was insane but it is now happening. I agree that even though AI can bring many benefits, it can also act as a threat. As mentioned earlier, ethics should be implemented in order to decrease the perception of AI as a threat. The benefits of AI are endless but so are the disadvantages when placed in untrained hands. What would be an example of rules/ethics that should be implemented? https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/01/assignment-b1-drew-hovey-group-a.html

 

Hayley Selden – I really enjoyed your post as you described the use of AI in three aspects; Database/Networks, Sociology and Future. I like the fact that you mentioned AI safety as it is an important component that needs to be address since AI is a powerful tool and you are right in the fact will more and more be part of our life. The idea of educating society on the use and implementation of AI in their life is very interesting. How would you educate society in the use of AI? https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/01/selden-b1-ai-and-its-impact-on-future.html