Are you ready for Skynet?
How about the Holodeck-meets-Skynet universe ofWestworld(returning March 15 to HBO)?
What about synths destroying the colonies of Mars as seen inPicard?
While many researchers and computer experts arent worried, new technologies need risk-assessment.
So whats the risk of AI breaking bad and turning into an episode of Westworld?
The consensus is mixed.
Deaths have already occurred and will continue to occur from both robots andartificial intelligence, but these are accidental.
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Fear plays an even larger factor.
But what happens when the deaths are no longer accidental?
But what is the likelihood that artificial life could develop sentience?
What is the likelihoodself-aware AIwill go outside their original programming and intentionally harm people?
WillAI intelligenceexceed our own and develop the capability to think for itself?
Assuming it does, it still needs to take the next step to harm humans.
Most fear relates to Terminator-style extinction events.
I think these, like concerns for advanced alien-life on other planets wiping us out, are overblown.
But this is true of any living creature, intelligent or otherwise.
How can society limit the risk associated with rogue AI on smaller scales?
The answer lies in shifting perspective.
Why do people still have children?
They are capable of causing great harm, but we do it anyway.
There will come a point when society must assessAI for sentience.
If they meet that threshold, courts will award them rights.
We must expect this and expect to observe, train, and teach them like we do our children.
This will be done through programming, laws, and human interaction.
But I suspect there will be tests developed to check.
Governments will likely regulate developers to help ensure people are honest actors.
But like everything else, failures both intentional and accidental are bound to occur.
Before long, artificial intelligence will, likely, be advanced enough to develop sentience.
The question remains if humans will be intelligent enough to avoid domination by our robotic creations.
Maynard has been writing about space since he was 10, but hes still not Carl Sagan.
Also, Roy Huff authored this article, and is a Best-selling author, scientist, & teacher.
Hawaii resident, book lover and fan of all things science fiction & fantasy.
Find out more at royhuff.net.
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you’ve got the option to read this original piecehere.
