Why AI won’t Destroy the Human Race

In our digital age, a vast amount of information is at our fingertips. With a few keystrokes, we can know the answer to many, MANY questions and AI is helping to make it possible. A respected Swiss scientist, Conrad Gessner, might have been the first to raise the alarm about the effects of information overload. In a landmark book, he described how the modern world overwhelmed people with data and that this overabundance was both “confusing and harmful” to the mind. The media now echo his concerns with reports on the unprecedented risks of living in an “always on” digital environment. It’s worth noting that Gessner, for his part, never once used e-mail and was completely ignorant about computers. That’s not because he was a technophobe but because he died in 1565. His warnings referred to the seemingly unmanageable flood of information unleashed by the printing press. If we let the fear of the unknown drive decision making, we would never have tamed fire. Societies would be at a standstill. The way we grow and develop is based on questioning the status-quo and yes, taking risks… calculated risks.

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2018 Tech the Coming Week at CES

Every new year brings the possibility of breakthrough technologies. Fortunately, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) takes place every year in January to preview what the world has to offer. I anticipate three major fields will be at the forefront of invention: those being artificial intelligence, smart homes, and robots.

Imagine sitting in a doctor’s office sharing symptoms and having tests performed all while being the only human in the room. With the accumulation of data from the tests performed along with the “symptom discussion” a diagnosis is given. Artificial intelligence can do this and much more. One point of AI is to manipulate “big data” so that people can then use that data to drive and improve change. AI is also fascinating as it is one of the foundations for other exciting cutting-edge technologies that we will also expect to see at CES.

Last year at CES, Alexa (Amazon’s voice-activated assistant), took front stage. This year Google is planning on making a greater push announcing many products that will work with Google Home and be synced together; such as lights like Hue and speakers. If you want more specific details on the two base models, Alexa and Home click here Which to Buy: Amazon Echo or Google Home?. Voice interface is a faster way to communicate and seems to be the wave of the future.

While AI and voice activation are exciting in and of themselves: perhaps the most interesting field may be in robotics and robots! With the advancement of AI, our robots are getting smarter. There is a security camera (to be revealed at CES) that features accurate facial recognition.  It learns your face and then will alert you if a stranger enters the camera’s area. Next, there is a motorcycle helmet that offers navigation, a built-in action camera, and music. Also, there is Buddy whom is very similar to Alexa however he has a rotating head and eyes. This little Buddy can move around your house, recognize family members and even help with children by monitoring where and what they re doing along with playing games with them.

There will be many other areas of technology demonstrated at the show including but not limited to: smart cars, big tvs, health products, and much more. I don’t expect anything groundbreaking in these areas, but I’ll have more to say in the following couple weeks…

Our Future While Driving

When buying a new car what do many people look for? Is it the flashiness of the car or its accessories? Actually, safety should be the first priority. With the help of a developing field of technology, safety can be increased and in later models, it should also add that flash that people so desire. What I am referring to is AR or Augmented Reality. The technology is still in its infancy. However, three companies displayed their ideas and applications of this tech at CES (Consumer Electronics Show).