Artificial Intelligence will radically alter our future

By Dick Pelletier

      

    In his Life in the Universe lecture, super-scientist Stephen Hawking points out that evolution of our DNA is not keeping up with the amount of information being generated. But we are now entering a phase, of what Hawking calls "self-designed evolution," in which we will soon be able to change and improve our DNA.

    "At first," Hawking says, "these changes will be confined to repairing genetic defects that prevent disease, which are controlled by single genes. Other qualities," he adds, "such as intelligence, are controlled by large numbers of genes," but he's sure that, "within a century, we'll discover how to modify our intelligence, and even curb destructive instincts like aggression."

    If humanity manages to redesign itself and reduce the risk of self-destruction, we will be in position to develop space and colonize other planets. But Hawking believes this will only come about by creating powerful machines loaded with strong artificial intelligence, which one day, could even replace our DNA-based life, just as DNA may have replaced earlier forms of life on Earth.

    A major intelligent machine project is underway in Europe. Spanish researchers at University of Granada have achieved a giant leap for robotkind by creating the first artificial cerebellum (the brain section that controls motor functions), with the goal of improving human/robot interactions.

    Their creation will soon be installed in a machine designed by the German Aerospace Centre in a four-year project funded by the EU, which brings together physicists, neuroscientists and electronic engineers from leading European universities.

    Researchers are building microchips that incorporate a full neuronal system, emulating how the cerebellum interacts with the human nervous system. This, they say, will help robots become more human-like when working in the everyday world. They are also constructing an artificial skin to give robots a more sensitive touch.

    "Although robots are important to society, they cannot yet do most tasks carried out by humans," says Granada scientist Eduardo Ros Vidal, "We have been talking about humanoids for years, but we still don't see them on the streets."

    The following predicts a futuristic view of how our machines will progress in the decades ahead:

    2015-2020 – $10,000 robots that read human emotions, perform household chores, and provide security are slowly being accepted as family members.

    2020-2030 – $20,000 bots are efficient at most human jobs; some enjoy limited human rights.

    2030-2040 – SuperBots outthink humans, making human-machine data transfers commonplace.

    Imagine a super-computer-like hard drive linked wirelessly to your mind. An encyclopedia of information pops into your head and photographic memory becomes the norm. With computer-like abilities, you're now a whiz at processing data. In fact, when faced with making a decision, in just seconds, you can run dozens or even hundreds of "what if" simulations through your mind. You then make the correct decision – always.

    Most people welcome mind improvements like this that promise a happier, and certainly far more intelligent life; but some conservatives may find this "magical future" somewhat unsettling. However, while the contours of when this bold science will arrive may be a bit foggy, the map for how we get there is crystal clear. It's only a question of when, not if.

This article appeared in various print publications and on-line blogs. Comments always welcome.