AUSTIN: Some enthusiasts of artificial intelligence are optimistic that the technology could provide solutions to major global issues such as wars and climate change. However, experts believe that these aspirations may be unrealistic at the moment. Michael Littman, a computer science professor from Brown University, expressed skepticism at the idea of AI completely restructuring the economy to solve complex problems.
Littman made these comments at the South By Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas, where discussions on the potential benefits of AI took place. He emphasized that the notion of AI effortlessly addressing all challenges is far-fetched and more akin to science fiction than reality. According to Littman, the current focus is on using AI to enhance efficiency in solving existing problems, rather than providing quick-fix solutions.
Despite their grandiose titles like “How to Make AGI Beneficial and Avoid a Robot Apocalypse”, panels at events like SXSW often have more pragmatic objectives, such as product promotion. One panel, titled “Inside the AI Revolution: How AI is Empowering the World to Achieve More”, featured Simi Olabisi, a Microsoft executive, highlighting the benefits of AI on the company’s Azure cloud service.
The concept of artificial intelligence, which includes algorithms capable of automating tasks and processing vast amounts of data, has been around for decades. However, the recent success of ChatGPT, an AI interface developed by OpenAI, has propelled AI into the spotlight. OpenAI aims to create artificial “general” intelligence (AGI) that surpasses human intelligence and enhances humanity’s capabilities.
During discussions at SXSW, there was a strong emphasis on the inevitability of AGI becoming a reality. Scientists like Ben Goertzel, from the SingularityNET Foundation, predicted that AGI could be achieved by 2029. Goertzel advocated for the development of compassionate AGI integrated into human-like robots to ensure harmonious coexistence with humans.
David Hanson, the founder of Hanson Robotics, discussed the potential benefits and risks of AI with superhuman capabilities. He emphasized the positive disruptions AI could bring to solving global sustainability challenges, while also cautioning about the dangers AI poses if not managed effectively.
Despite the optimism surrounding AI, some experts believe that the technology is not yet advanced enough to address complex issues. Roxanne Tully, an investor at Piva Capital, envisioned a future where AI could revolutionize the discovery of new materials for unprecedented advancements. However, she acknowledged that this vision is still a distant dream.
Currently, AI is proving its value in applications like tornado and forest fire warning systems. Nevertheless, there are limitations to what AI can achieve without human intervention, as highlighted by Rayid Ghani from Carnegie Mellon University during a panel on using AI to address extreme weather and pandemics. Ghani emphasized the role of human decision-making in harnessing AI for societal benefit. – AFP
