FUTURE OF AI

With Hollywood cranking up a new science fiction story every week, it is hard to find people who are unaware of the charismatic power that Artificial intelligence beholds. The breakneck speed of technology has put more power in our pockets that we had in our homes 20 years ago. So, it may not be totally irrational to think that we are finally getting closer to making AI a reality. How?

With breakthrough in machine learning, neural networks, virtual reality and robotics, machines can, now, process information on a very sophisticated level allowing them to perform complex functions. Tech giants like Facebook and Google have created their own AI labs to produce robots capable of learning to play video games without any instructions. Nevertheless, the process is still very elementary and it may take a while for the AI to have a significant impact on our day lives. Even a trivial task to be completed, requires intelligence, co-ordination and understanding of the environment. Though these skills seem very basic to us, they have still been quite difficult for the robotkind. But as every black cloud has a silver lining to it, the future of artificial intelligence also has some amazing advancement that we will be able to witness in the near future:

1)    Cyborg Technology

Humans are limited by their brains and bodies. But with the future and AI taking shape, we would be able to augment and enhance our natural abilities. People who are mentally challenged will find a new life; those without eyesight will be able to see through chip implants. This kind of cyborg technology will significantly reduce the limitations of daily lives.

2)    Danger Reduction

Dangerous jobs have always been a pain in the back for humans. Bomb defusing to mining has claimed several lives in the past and will continue doing so until and unless a solution is found. Enter AI. With robots laced with their own thoughts, activities that were once considered hazardous for the humans will be finally taken over. They will be able to minimize the errors humans are prone to and produce quality results that will surpass the milestones set by their human counterparts.

3)    Intelligent Assistants

Who would not want a Baymax in their room when they get sick and tired? AI powered robots will be everything we ever need - a servant and a companion. They will be able to understand and feel emotions and help their human friends stay happy. Right now the AI is still rudimentary and emotionless. Though Apple’s Siri or Google’s Now or Microsoft’s Cortana have started to show a picture of a robot that we could relate to. As the evolution of AI leaps ahead, we are sure to witness some friendly assistants. 

4)    Reproduction

One of the most alarming things about AI is one of the most beautiful things about this technology. Once AI will start reproducing ideas, concepts and even their own clones, it will be self-evident that humans can sit back and look at the magnificence they have created. But that of course leads to a very sophisticated situation. Will the entire fate of humanity be in peril? So far, that doesn’t seem to be the case. However, we will have to wait and see what the AI of future has to unfold.

Future of Technology Summit 2017