Robotics, AI, and AGI: Sorting Out the Smart Tech

Okay, right out of the gate – I am a total geek at heart. Huge Star Wars fan, and a very proud Trekkie. My favourite parts? The Robots, and Star Fleets onboard computer (It’s AI system).

Starfleet AI (By ChatGPT)

Starfleet AI-Interactive Star Trek Experience

?I am sure like many of you, we share a fascination with robotics, and how one day, hopefully, our lives will be greatly improved because of them. I won’t be discussing the negatives in this article, mainly because those dive into fiction with dystopian undertones. We’ll leave that for another day.

Instead, let’s go through some misconceptions about how we are using AI, in conjunction with robotics. I want to cover the latest advancements, plus what the future might look like, and more importantly, when, or how fast is this future coming? All of this is well worth discussing. I also want to leave out the technical jargon that comes from this topic or any AI topic. Frankly, there’s no need for it. The more we ALL UNDERSTAND artificial intelligence, the better.

I hope you enjoy, and please take part in the conversation on LinkedIn!

A lot of us hear terms like "robotics," "artificial intelligence," and "AGI" tossed around, sometimes like they mean the same thing. But the fact is, these are exciting but distinct fields! Let's break down the key differences and how they connect.

Robotics: The Body of the Machine

Think of robotics as building the physical robot itself. This means:

• Design: Shaping the robot's form for its tasks (industrial arm, self-driving car, dog-like companion, etc.)
• Mechanics: Motors, sensors, and how the robot interacts with the world.
• Basic Programming: Telling the robot what movements to perform.

?Artificial Intelligence (AI): The Robots Brain

AI is all about the software that lets machines "think." Here's what it does:

• Learning: AI can process tons of data to find patterns and improve its responses over time.
• Adapting: Instead of just following instructions, AI can adjust to new situations.
• Complex Tasks: Think image recognition, language translation, even writing articles!

?GenAI: When Robotics and AI Combine

The magic happens when AI powers robots. We call this Generative AI (GenAI). This means:

• Smarter movement: Robots can navigate and make decisions on their own.
• Problem-solving: Robots tackle more complex tasks without needing every step pre-programmed.
• Interaction: GenAI can allow future robots to understand and respond to us more naturally.

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AGI: The Next Frontier

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is the hypothetical next level — it's AI that is as broadly capable as the human mind. This is still science fiction territory, but many researchers are working on getting us closer!

Why It Matters

Separating these terms helps us appreciate how technology is changing:

• Jobs: Robotics impacts physical tasks, and AI transforms knowledge work.
• Opportunities: Understanding these fields opens pathways to new and in-demand careers.
• The Future: Being informed helps us shape how these technologies evolve.

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More great articles from LinkedIn

The Future of Robotics: Advancements and Opportunities

Robotics and the Workplace: Change is Coming

It's important to be realistic about how robotics will reshape the way we work. Here's the breakdown:

Job Displacement: The Hard Truth

In the short term, as robots become more capable, they will inevitably take over some tasks currently done by humans, particularly in areas like manufacturing and logistics. This could lead to job losses in those areas.

The Bright Side: New Jobs Emerge

• Robotics will also create entirely new types of jobs:
• Robot designers and engineers
• Technicians to maintain and repair robots
• Software developers specializing in robot control and AI?
• Analysts to make sense of the data robots gather.

Education is Key

Staying ahead means focusing on skills that aren't easily automated:

• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Creativity and adaptability
• Communication and collaboration?

Upskilling and Retraining

Governments and businesses will need to invest in programs to help workers whose jobs are impacted by robotics find new careers.

?More great articles from LinkedIn

The Future of Robotics: Advancements and Opportunities

The Bottom Line

Robotics will transform the workplace, but it's not about robots versus humans. It's about finding ways for us to collaborate with these amazing new tools. Being prepared for change and embracing continuous learning will be crucial.

Ethical Questions: The Responsibility of Tech

Alongside awesome potential, advanced robotics and AI raise serious ethical concerns. Here are a few critical issues:

Bias and Fairness - AI systems can inherit biases from the data they learn on. This can lead to discrimination in applications ranging from hiring decisions to facial recognition.

Safety and Accountability - With complex robots and autonomous AI, who is responsible if things go wrong? We need clear guidelines on liability.

The "Black Box" Problem?- Some AI is so complex even the creators don't fully understand how it makes decisions. This makes ensuring fairness and safety very difficult.

(Worth reading: Why We Need to See Inside AI’s Black Box)

Weaponization - Autonomous weapons systems (think "killer robots") raise troubling questions about warfare and ethical decision-making by machines.

Being Proactive

These aren't reasons to fear technology, but rather reasons to be proactive:

Diverse Teams - Developing these technologies must involve people from all backgrounds to help lessen the risk of bias.

Regulation - Governments need to create frameworks and laws to guide the responsible use of robotics and AI.

Open Discussion - Ongoing public conversations about these issues are essential to ensure technology aligns with our values.

Let's keep the conversation going! What excites or worries you about these fields?

More to See & Read

Nvidia Robotics

How Advances in Robotics Are Shaping the Future

6 Medical innovations for 2024 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hw_2983Gd-c