We've all seen the movies or read the books. Artificial intelligence, however, is about set to break free from the 2-dimensional world. Leading scientists now say that the first artificial organisms can be born within 10 years.
Intelligence, as a working definition, is the ability to make standalone judgments based on impulses coming from one's surroundings. The hallmark of intelligence is action based on choice, rather than rule. For example, if you've seen those eHarmony.com commercials that talk about a system for matching by compatibility. It is advertised as an intelligent system, but really it's just based upon a sequence of rules (i.e. if A=B, then C=D, etc.) There is no ability to discern unusual circumstances, such as a partial parameter (i.e. person does not fully conform to A or B, but falls in between).
Many people might confuse robotics and artificial intelligence. For example, Honda's now famous Asimo is sometimes mistaken as being intelligent.
In reality Asimo is a non-intelligent robot; although he seems to interact of his own volition, every single action and reaction is controlled by lines and more lines of programmed code. These sub-routines do not think, simply follow.
The key difference is that A.I. beings will ultimately be able to actively shape their own program. Imagine for a moment - you own one of those Asimo units. Let's say it's been programmed to help you carry objects up and down stairs. The program will consistently carry out the action as needed, faltering only due to mechanical issues.
Now let's say that Asimo has been upgraded with an A.I. processor. The unit no longer relies on the owner to call it. It will inspect the situation and determine whether or not assistance is necessary, based on various factors. Of course, this stage is much further away than 10 years.
Still, how benign are the molecular mecha-organisms currently being developed?
Anyone who has seen 2001: A Space Odyssey knows the ugly side of A.I. gone bad.
Image: HAL9000, the fiendishly disobedient A.I. from 2001: A Space Odyssey
Many people assume that as long they are micro-organisms, there is little threat. Maybe I've seen too many disaster movies or watched too many sci-fi shows, but isn't that when the danger is greatest? It's more difficult to control something we can't directly see or handle.
I think A.I. is a great thing and the natural next step in technological evolution, but we have to be cautious. Scientists are making bold leaps, sometimes without having 100% understanding of or control over the laboratory conditions. It's easy enough to predict and control one tiny A.I. molecule. What about groups? There are many unpredictable dynamics when dealing with groups of such organisms.
I’ve got many questions.
- What safeguards will there be against such groups co-operating to break out of their design parameters (which is totally possible with non-rule oriented beings)?
- Will these new organisms be able to interact with biological sells and non-living organic molecules?
- What about continuity? Will they be able to replicate themselves? What controls are there to prevent them from "assimilating" new organic elements and evolving beyond human control?
I don't mean to sound paranoid, it's really a great thing. However, humans are inherently open to making miscalculations and this is one area where a miscalculation can be grave.
Alternately, this presents a whole new area of philosophy. Recently, Java Jones did a couple of interesting philosophical posts. One about perceptions of reality and another on the physical manifestation of stored information. The upcomming A.I.'s present a cross-section of these two concepts. Soon enough we'll be sitting around pondering how neurotransmitters are stored, copied and transferred; how electrical impulses carry oxygen and other fuels for life.
Also, what about the use of A.I. technology on already existing organisms...
What will happen when A.I. is applied to more advanced organisms? Such devices have already been used to mind-control insects, fish, birds and even small mammals. The U.S. government (supposedly) already has dolphins equipped with such bio-mechanical interfaces.Image: Electrical impulses used to control the behavior of a roach.
I believe this is torture for animals, and I think it takes mankind "1 step forward, 2 steps back". To be simultaneously advancing in technology and de-evolving in comodification of living beings is simply not acceptable.
Mankind is at a cross-roads, much as we've been in the past. Whatever the chosen path, we can never and will never go back.