The Future of Computing and Artificial Intelligence

The Future of Computing and Artificial Intelligence

The developments and technological innovations that have been witnessed in computing in the last three decades are amazing. Computing has grown from hobby-based personal computer terminals with small processing capabilities, to networked systems that can achieve amazing capabilities such as learning, humanistic reactions, and even artificial intelligence (AI). The developments that have been witnessed in the last three decades point to a relatively sharp learning and development curve in the future for both computing and artificial learning. This essay investigates some of these anticipated developments in trying to chart out the future of computing and artificial intelligence.

Autonomous industrial and military systems

One of the most obvious possibilities that is becoming reality in the development of both computing and artificial intelligence is that their future lies in software. Hardware development is becoming increasing difficult due to Moore’s Law (Ogiela 1679). Moore’s Law states that as computing chips advance in computing and processing power, the number of transistors in their discrete electronic circuitry doubles every predetermined number of years or months. The main problem with this stuffing of circuitry in computer chips even as transistor design itself improves to make them faster and smaller is that the very large scale integration becomes more risky, harder, and more expensive. Therefore, software is the only other avenue through which computing can develop. However, Moore’s Law has not hindered the development of relatively advanced computing chips with several billion transistors integrated. However, the only effective way to reap all the potential computing potential is software.

Modern advances in software design have made machine learning and artificial intelligence possible. Using related technological developments such as the internet of all things with its multitude of sensors and peripherals such as cameras, the modern computing device can observe and learn in much the same way as a human does. Using neural network-based algorithms and advanced software engineering skills, the current batch of computers are becoming semi-autonomous meaning the human being is relegated to supervisory duties (Frishberg and Goble 3). Industrial applications include semi-autonomous design, assembly, and troubles-shooting robots. Medical applications include robots that can carry out laparoscopic surgery on the human brain with increased accuracy and reduced risk of errors (Luxton 334). The military is especially interested in such application given the huge human life costs of warfare as well as human emotions during combat that expose personnel to risk.

The future of computing and artificial intelligence in the context of autonomous industrial and military systems is advanced computing hardware that is not only virtually maintenance free, but self-repairing (Ogiela 1683). Combined with superior artificial intelligence systems that are completely autonomous, these systems will enable man to live without worry related to going to war, human error during surgery, human limitations in space travel, and transport issues related to human weaknesses. Most industrial design, assembly, and repair systems will be completely automated. Transport and even law enforcement could see many roles such as pilots, ship captains, and even police officers being replaced by semi-autonomous systems relegating human beings to supervisory roles from remote locations.

Wearable technology and cyborgs

Although wearable technology is still in its infancy, the potential of these aspects of computing and artificial technology are virtually infinite. Unfortunately, majority of these developments are being slowed down by hardware development problems some of which are associated with integration, compatibility with human tissue, and even power storage. However, Google Glass presented one such device when it placed a tiny screen that could feed the human brain with important data related to the weather, traffic, stock market, news, and even the wearer’s health parameters in front of the human eyeball. Later advances in the form of wearable wrist bands that transmit all data related to the wearer’s health or sports performance to a smart phone also signify developments aimed at making technology wearable (Luxton 336). Some computer chips that are injected under human skin or in teeth that can influence the wearer’s performance or response in certain situations using nanotechnology-based drugs and even provide real-time tracking have been reported in intelligence agency circles and the military.

However, the future of wearable technology in terms of computing and artificial intelligence is a combination of finely-tuned hardware and futuristic software. Cyborgs are defined as semi-human devices that use human tissues augmented by computer software and hardware refinements to improve performance or longevity. Using special computer chips implanted into the human brain and programmed using superior bio-computer codes could achieve the necessary levels of human-computer integration necessary. Additionally, the application of specialized hardware to improve the capacity of human limbs and other locomotion aspects of the human being could improve the process making it feasible for industrial, law enforcement, and even military applications. However, current developments are limited to virtual reality gaming rigs and military training systems.

Risky jobs and logistics

One of the most important aspects of current and possibly future developments in computing and artificial intelligence is reduction of human lives lost in risky jobs. Currently, several companies such as Google and Uber are experimenting with autonomous vehicle systems that aim to relegate human participation in road transport to that of passengers. Using specialized computer chips that process GPS tracking and road-focused camera signals, as well as artificial intelligence that aims to interact with other motorists and learn driving patterns, these companies are already making impressive progress. However, the main focus of such systems would be in larger aspects of transport and logistics such as civil aviation, marine logistics, and even space travel.

Pilot error is the cause of more than two thirds of all aircraft accidents that result in hundreds of lives lost per case. However, using specialized autonomous computing and AI infrastructure, more air craft can be flown per sector without having to worry about human emotion, fatigue, and skills issues. Additionally, using similar system, more large shipping vessels can be used without having to endanger a single human life because they would be fully autonomous from loading, docking, sailing, to logistics management and manifest management.

After developing such systems on earth, the future in space travel would change forever because space ships would be sent on autonomous voyages to far galaxies with cryo-preserved astronauts. Current mars rovers and other space vehicles are usually semi-autonomous but their performance provides crucial information for future developments.

Humanoids

Perhaps the most interesting yet most controversial aspect of future developments in computing and artificial intelligence is humanoid. These are purely autonomous robot systems with advanced hardware and power systems that are controlled by futuristic AI systems that can learn, react in human manner, and even make realistic and logical conclusions (Bajo and Corchado 383). Their ability to learn without the inefficiencies of fatigue and disease make them potential replacements to the human race. Additionally, their ability to show humane emotions in appropriate scenarios while making sensible rationalizations also present the tech world with a potential ethical dilemma.

However, various universities in Japan and the United States have already succeeded in creating humanoid robots that have sophisticated computers and AI systems. These robots, though still tethered to secondary computer banks and power systems, replicate an amazing number of human processes such as appropriate facial expressions, emotional cues, social skills, and natural logic. In the near future, these systems could begin to get completely autonomous and achieve independent locomotion. They may begin finding roles in law enforcement as equal personnel with individual personalities and skill sets, or even in military applications as soldiers and technical support staff (Bajo and Corchado 384). They may replace human beings in long space voyages given their virtually unlimited lifespan.

Unfortunately, many ethicists and social groups are already questioning many aspects of the current trajectories of computing and AI developments. Developments that are meant to reduce human involvement in industrial jobs could cause massive loss of employment (Frishberg and Goble 4). Use of networked machines in law enforcement and military applications possess serious security risks especially now that rogue countries such as North Korea and Russia are investing more in cyber-warfare. Some religious groups have even questioned the rationale behind some wearable technological developments stating them as trying to correct the work of their deities.

However, the most controversial issue in this course of developments pertains to humanoids. Most people are already uncomfortable with the AI-enabled virtual assistants used in modern smartphones because they learn about our personal and even secret lives and try augmenting them (LÓPEZ, et al. 71). However, the thought to a machine that is completely independent and can observe, learn, rationalize, and make rational or logical conclusions is frightening. Most conservative users are not ready to accept these humanoids that can learn mainly because of the possibility of their asking for rights, rebelling, or even conquering the human race. Most of the current systems are surprising advanced meaning future ones could possibly overcome all human capacities in terms of physical strength, agility, cognitive ability, and longevity. There are serious risks that necessitate careful consideration by all stakeholders.

Conclusion

The last three decades have witnessed great leaps in technological developments associated with computing. The computer has grown from a bunch of relatively simplistic hobby projects to systems that exhibit human attributes such as learning, rationalization, and feedback-based rationalization, as well as controlling complex systems on earth and beyond. These developments have lasted just three or so decades making the near future interesting to observe based on the rapid rate of development and innovation.

Out of the dozens of possible spheres of innovation the computing and AI development will impact in the future, autonomous systems are possible the most important. The industrial revolution has been influenced recently in a significant manner by robots but these still require human elements of supervision and repair. However, these systems will become fully autonomous in the future finding application in far more sensitive applications in law enforcement and even the military. Additionally, cyborgs and wearable technology will advance to levels beyond Google Glass and wrist bands to encompass computer chips that interface directly with the human brains. The human race also faces several problems associated with loss of employment as aircraft and marine vessels as well as road vehicles become fully autonomous. Additionally, the development of a fully independent humanoid capable of most if not all of the human features and attributes presents an ethical dilemma. Unfortunately, as with most previous innovations, computing and AI will defeat these skeptics and impact human life in many more ways that we can anticipate.

Works Cited

Bajo, Javier, and Juan M. Corchado. “Special issue on distributed computing and artificial intelligence systems.” Neurocomputing, vol. 172, 2016, pp. 382-384.

Frishberg, Manny, and Mary Ann Goble. “China Aims for Global AI Leadership.” Innovation Research Interchange, June 2018, pp. 3-4. Accessed 21 June 2018.

Luxton, David D. “Artificial intelligence in psychological practice: Current and future applications and implications.” Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, vol. 45, no. 5, 2014, pp. 332-339.

LÓPEZ, Mar, et al. “The awareness of Privacy issues in Ambient Intelligence.” ADCAIJ: ADVANCES IN DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE JOURNAL, vol. 3, no. 2, 2014, p. 71.

Ogiela, Lidia. “Towards cognitive economy.” Soft Computing, vol. 18, no. 9, 2014, pp. 1675-1683.