Scientists worry machines may outsmart man

This is an article which I found online and thought was very interesting. It looks at the possibility of artificial intelligence surpassing human intelligence. This is a concept which occurs in many films such as “Terminator” or “2001: Space Odyssey”. However this article sheds a new light of reality upon this concept. Through use of real world examples such as computer viruses which cannot be stopped, a robot which can open doors and recharge itself and predator drones it removes this idea from sci-fi and makes the reader consider the actual possibility of machines capable of outsmarting people.

Predator Drone

     This article focuses on a group of scientists who are currently debating limiting artificial intelligence. They believe that with the speed at which technology is advancing it is inevitable that a machine of equal or superior intelligence to humans will be created. This has raised concern among these scientists as they have observed existing computer viruses which cannot be exterminated, this suggests that it is possible for man made technology to avoid being destroyed by people. The article asks what if a machine more intelligent then people could avoid its own destruction. It uses the predator drone, a remotely controlled bomber plane, as an example in which a machine if granted artificial intelligence could kill humans.

Helper Robot recharging itself

     However this article not only raises concern over the ethical and social issues which artificial intelligence would create. It questions how people would interact with a machine of equal intelligence, would they consider it as an equal? It asks what would be the effect of an increase of human jobs being replaced by machines? What would happen if these machines fell into the hands of criminals? And ultimately will we have to learn to live with machines which increasingly copy the behaviour of humans?

     Personally I believe that the rapid progress of technology is a mixed blessing. Although it helps us in our everyday lives and is a great source of convenience. Measures must be taken to avoid creating a machine capable of building others, autonomously taking lives or carrying out any other form of threatening behaviour.

If you are interested in reading this article the link is here.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/26/science/26robot.html?_r=1