Superintelligent robots in homes by late 2020s, experts say

By Dick Pelletier

      

    Imagine a machine that cleans house, sets the table, creates and serves dinner, provides household security, all while expressing human-like emotions, but rarely complains. This may sound like something out of The Jetsons, but researchers believe that we will soon share our homes with robots that gladly tackle mundane chores, freeing us for more fulfilling activities.

    One of the greatest challenges for many people is to gain control over our increasingly complex lives. Today, we face a bewildering maze of information overload, strained relationships, economic turmoil, and confusion over the pace of technological change. And tomorrow's world will be even more demanding.

    Robots, loaded with strong artificial intelligence and pleasing personalities, will help us get the most from this future world of fast-changing technologies, making our lives more comfortable and secure.

    Roboticist Hans Moravec believes that by late 2020s, we will create humanoid robots that can express reasoning, emotion, and are eager to perform household tasks. These machines will find and fetch things, express feelings of compassion and love, and become a strong security force, protecting us from Internet cyber attacks; and shielding our homes from weather damage, accidental fires, and dangerous intruders.

    Artificial intelligence has made spectacular advances in the last few years. In 1997, IBM's Deep Blue supercomputer defeated world chess champion Garry Kasparov, in a world first. Today, even small computers have this awesome power, and chess masters now learn from them. IBM's latest human-thinking computer, Watson, recently defeated Jeopardy experts in a trial of the popular TV quiz show.

    But current robot technology – as futuristic as it may try to be – has a long way to go before tomorrow's super-smart 'bots become reality. The following examples illustrate today's state-of-the-art machines:

    A Japanese humanoid, using latest Yamaha voice technology sings to audiences; DARPA's headless humanoid gets itself ready for Army duty; and a Canadian life-like female robot expresses her feelings.

    Although these robots may seem crude to us today, the future looks bright. Computer power is expected to match our brains by 2029, and some predict, will surpass human intelligence by late 2030s.

    However, naysayers see danger as these machines advance. Future robots may reach awareness where they wouldn't need us anymore. If we're lucky, some argue, tomorrow's 'bots will serve and adore us. If we're unlucky, they could consider humanity an impediment to their progress and eradicate us.

    Not to worry, though, says artificial intelligence expert J. Storrs Hall in his book, Beyond AI. As robots mature, technologies will be in place to interface our minds with these clever machines and share their vast wisdom. This will always keep us one step ahead of our creations in the race for dominance.

    During the 2020s, experts predict that robots will become the most valued family possession, even more important than tomorrow's auto-drive cars. Our silicon cousins could wear skin made of soft, comfortable material – tough, but with a gentle touch. These 'bots will be designed to shower us with affection and nurturing, and people will find this attention extremely desirable – almost addictive.

    As the 2030s unfold and we begin interfacing our brains with these powerful creatures, they will become more like us, and by accessing their powerful intelligence, we will become more like them. The line between humans and machines will become increasingly blurred.

    In fact, experts predict that by mid-to-late 2030s, these super-smart human-like androids could become so much like us that disconnecting their power source without good reason might be considered a civil rights violation. One day, our silicon creations might even demand voting rights and marriage privileges.

    Some wonder where this technology will take us. Will our silicon creations evolve into accommodating peaceful machines? Clearly, this journey winds around unknown, possibly even dangerous turns, but strong commercial support guarantees that we will one day experience what promises to become a most remarkable future filled with robot servants satisfying our every whim. Comments welcome.

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