A team of experts has just published a report on the main challenges of artificial intelligence in the coming years. They reassure us that there is no evidence today that AIs pose an imminent threat to humanity in the near future.
The report is quite positive in supporting the fact that technology should make our lives better in the next 15 years, especially in the areas of transport, health, education and security. Good news therefore for those who would feel a priori uncomfortable with the dazzling progress made in robotics in recent years.
The Artificial Intelligence and Life in 2030 is the first report published by the AI100 project — an ongoing 100-year study led by Stanford University and a standing committee of Amnesty International scholars around the world. As the experts write in their paper, » no machine with autonomous long-term goals and intentions has yet been developed, or will be developed in the near future “, the researchers underline in passing “ the increasingly useful applications of AI, with potentially profound positive effects on our society and especially the economy likely to emerge between now and 2030 « .
So we are safe for now. The report nevertheless warns that AI will represent “ a real challenge for our society » and » the right decisions will have to be made to ensure that everyone can feel the benefit of this ever smarter computing « . It is clear that our attitude towards AI will be decisive and that a long road awaits us towards its elaboration and development. » If governments and citizens approach technology in a positive way, then the results will be positive “, reassure the researchers.
AI will radically change our role in society, inevitably replacing humans in some areas of activity such as transport or education, but it could also create new challenges, offering new ways for societies to create wealth and live leisure. » It is clear that if society approaches these technologies out of fear and suspicion, we will not be able to ensure the security and reliability of these AI technologies. “, can we read.
These thoughts dovetail with recent comments by Stephen Hawking who believes that it is up to us humans to choose whether this AI will prove to be a strength or a weakness for humanity. According to Peter Stone of the University of Texas, the usual portrayal of AI as killer robots and hostile living systems is a misconception we should be able to forget. The next generation of robots probably won’t want to kill us. », ends the researcher. » All in all, I’m very optimistic that artificial intelligence should improve the world. « .
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