Dream and worry about artificial intelligence

The robot knows how to open the door and finds the electrical outlet to recharge itself. Computer viruses do not stop. Unmanned fighters operate like an automatic killing machine . The modernization of these machines is causing many scientists to worry.

A group of leading scientists in computers, artificial intelligence and robot research have just attended a seminar organized by the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) in Monterey Bay, California (USA). . They find it necessary to speak up about whether to set limits for research. This concern is true to the risk that people can no longer control the smart machine system that currently carries a huge part of the work of human society, from launching war to convincing customers over the phone. .

The robot charges itself

The PR2 robot is charging itself
(Photo: New York Times)

The workshop was chaired by Dr. Eric Horvitz, AAAI president and researcher who worked for Microsoft. Horvitz believes that dealing with super-smart machines and super-artificial intelligence systems is now not just the subject of sci-fi movies. ' Something new has happened in the last 5-8 years ' - Dr. Horvitz said.

Last month, the Willow Garage team in Silicon Valley (USA) released a robot that self-directed to near-complete. The team members said the PR2 robot, at the experimental stage, could move at a speed of 2km / g, open itself and go through ten doors and plug itself in power for almost an hour. For those who want to hire domestic workers, those movements may not be too impressive, but for scientists, it's a big step because PR2 is the first robot to be able to perform a variety of behaviors. complex in a real environment.

Not long ago, Professor Henry Markram, of the Blue Brain project, once stated at a conference in Oxford (UK) that scientists will be able to create artificial brains in the next ten years. Blue Brain's work 'explores the mysteries of function and loss of brain function', to help people diagnose and treat ' 2 billion people worldwide affected by neurological disorders . However, the Blorge.com site asks: can other artificial brains be used for any other purpose?

The risk is real

Another scary aspect is smart computer virus. New Scientist magazine gives examples of malware that can copy people's ' digital behavior '. Accordingly, those who steal personal information can implant a virus into other people's cell phones to track messages, emails, voices, voicemail logs and other personal details. users then copy or use them for nefarious purposes. Most researchers think that it is completely within reach. ' If we can do it, criminals can do it, too, ' said Tom Mitchell, of Carnegie Mellon University (USA).

According to scientists, although there is still a long way to create intelligent computers like humans, technical advances have been forcing people to learn to live with machines created to imitate self. Another danger is that artificial intelligence systems once reached the hands of criminal organizations can be exploited for nefarious purposes.

In addition, the development of smart machines threatens people's jobs when inventions such as autonomous cars, assistant software and robots implementing butler service are not too far away. great

The "killing machines" from the sky

On July 27, Computer World magazine reported the US Air Force's 2009-2047 drone plan for the 2009-2047 period, saying that by mid-21st century, the country's military will develop the system. ' smart ' unmanned aircraft can decide whether or not to attack a specific target.

According to the New York Times, unmanned fighters were first used by the US in Bosnia and Kosovo in the 1990s and the fleet grew rapidly in the last few years with 195 Predator aircraft worth 4. , $ 5 million each and 28 new-generation Reaper, with 34 flights per day patrolling in Iraq and Afghanistan compared to 12 in 2006.

But in addition to contributing to the Pakistani government army to destroy Taliban elements in the Swat region recently, the intelligence of these automated killing machines has caused much concern and criticism when bombing in Pakistan. Many civilians died, as the May attack on the US admitted killing 26 civilians.

One of 28 Reaper unmanned aircraft (Photo: wordpress.com)