To Boldly Go Where No Man
Has Gone Before
Since the 1960’s, when the “first” intelligent programs were developed, progress has been made in contributing research to the study of intelligent systems. Popular science-fiction movies and thrilling TV shows over time have depicted a future centered on robots and technology. Hollywood films and the media have continuously emphasized fantasy and futuristic worlds in which autonomous machines and robot companions exist. Famous movies, such as, Irobot, in which the actor, Will Smith stars as a police detective that stops a global robot uprising, Disney’s Walle-E, Star Wars featuring the famous Hollywood robots R2-D2 and C-P30, and the Terminator, truly have caused the world to wonder about robots’ future role in society.
Professionals in the field of artificial intelligence share the interest of exploring in depth how these intelligent machine systems will impact humanity. As computer scientists, psychologists, and other professionals in the field of artificial intelligence have taken the initiative to create the robots of the future, they continue to study the human body system and structures, as well as, develop complex algorithms to create what we know today as artificial intelligence (AI). AI is the development of computer intelligent systems that act like humans by interacting and performing tasks on a complex, high interactive level. Modern applications of AI include robots that are used to analyze environments on different planets, act as computerized players during games, such as Chess and Jeopardy, and serve many other uses. Developing the next level of AI today seems to be a long term goal for scientists and engineers. However, many people speculate that the creation of these machine learning systems will lead to the rapid evolution of technology, dramatically change civilization, and further influence humanity as it progresses. Yet, as humanity continues to advance technology and develop the world of computers, the state of the future and artificial intelligence’s impact on the human race remains a concern. Many fear that these same robots will bring about the end of humanity. Leaders around the world including futurists, technologists, computer scientists, engineers, and professionals in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) world have taken an interest in this field, as they explore the possible gains and repercussions of the integration of these intelligent machines into society. While the benefits of AI seem clear to some, others question its future role in society. In essence, it is believed that laws and regulation, as well as, distinct goals must be implemented and defined in the future in order to monitor and control the impact that AI will have on mankind. This site further explores three different perspectives on the development of artificial intelligence and how the continued advancement of this field will positively or negatively impact humanity: |