AI and Human Lives

An interesting research topic is the role that artificial intelligence (AI) will play in human lives in the future. Maurice Conti views the future relationship between AI and humans to be collaborative in nature (Conti, 2016). In an engaging presentation, he discussed the transition from humans creating tools that are applied directly to a problem to a generative approach where computers will create solutions to meet human requirements independently.

There are several forces enabling, and perhaps propelling, this vision. Computer hardware has become a commodity. The advent of consumption based pricing and distributed processing combined with improvements in neural network architecture (deep learning) are enabling systems to be more intelligent that previously possible. The barriers to adoption of the vision include the immaturity of sensing and connectivity of the sensor. Conti discusses a project where a sports car was augmented with dozens of sensors and driven in extreme ways for a week. The resulting four billion data points were then analyzed using an AI to generatively design an auto chassis. As sensors are routinely placed in everyday things and a system of gathering and surfacing that data is developed additional innovations will become possible. However, end users of these systems will need to consent to their data being gathered and analyzed to realize such a vision. This trend relates to a recent purchase decision.

Craftsman is now including Bluetooth connected sensors in their riding lawnmowers (Sears, n.d.). When paired with a smartphone, the mower reminds the user to perform maintenance or perform a repair. While a very simplistic example, it does serve as a data point for the general trend. A more mature example is the OnStar product (OnStar, n.d.). Vehicles equipped with the technology upload diagnostic information used in the generation of monthly reports. For example, the report includes information about tire pressure, oil life, and any sensors indicating failures. One can only assume that OnStar and General Motors utilize the information for additional information, such as driving habits and maintenance practices. The fact that the vehicles are equipped with location detection equipment and two-way communication makes the vehicle as much a data capturing platform as a form of transportation.

Conti presented a positive and compelling view of the future. Viewing intelligent machines as something to augment, rather than replace, is a compelling message. However, public perception and fear may hamper the adoption of true autonomous design and construction.

References
 Conti, M. (Producer). (2016). The incredible inventions of intuitive AI. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/maurice_conti_the_incredible_inventions_of_intuitive_ai
OnStar. (n.d.). Vehicle Manager. Retrieved from https://www.onstar.com/us/en/services/vehiclemanager.html Sears. (n.d.). Craftsman Pro Series 46" 24 HP V-Twin Kohler Hydrostatic TurnTight Extreme® Riding Mower w/ Smart Lawn
Bluetooth Technology. Retrieved from http://www.sears.com/craftsman-pro-series-46inch-24-hp-v-twin/p-07127042000P