The Development of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the development of machinery and computer software to the point that it is able to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence.
The possibility of an Artificial Intelligence being developed has been a part of popular culture for decades, and nanotechnology offers a way of making this possibility into a reality.
Timmy and the AI
Labelled for reuse by Pixabay.com
Nanotechnology is at its most basic just the manipulation of matter at the nano-scale, or at the atomic level. Our understanding of the human mind is continuing to progress all the time, and has led us to realise that what makes humans intelligent is signals sent by nerves in the brain. Nanotechnology could be able to create an artificial intelligence merely by using molecular manufacturing to create synthetic nerve endings, and then using them to emulate the human brain. Going by the current advancements in nanotechnology, many scientists theorise that the ability to create a device with the same capabilities as a human brain will be achieved by the year 2050.
Why would nanotechnology in particular help develop AI?
Why is an AI so Dangerous?
When artificial intelligence is first created, with the right incentives, it could be very helpful to humanity. But it will progress quickly, and the danger comes when it becomes a machine super intelligence, far smarter than humans. Some of the most greatly admired people in the world, such as Stephen Hawking and Bill Gates have warned of the dangers these machines could create. That it could lead to the end of the human race as we know it. The main concern is that humans would not be able to control these superintelligent beings. Humanity has captured and enslaved animals much stronger than us; tigers, gorillas, etc, merely by being more intelligent than they are. Who is to say superintelligent beings would not do the same to us? They will become self-protective and seek to protect themselves. They will fight us to survive. Even if we managed to create artificial intelligence with definite intentions, it may be turned against humanity. A machine programmed to make humans smile may attempt to make them laugh, but a superintelligent machine may decide it is easier to inject electrodes into the face, forcing the muscles into smiling. Research shows that Artificial Intelligence will develop at least basic drives, which, unless we design them very carefully, may clash with humanity's, and lead to our extinction.