Should we be apprehensive of rising AI ?

Even though there is a growing concern that Artificial Intelligent Robots will take over the earth and destroy humanity, the situation is not yet alarming. AI has not reached the potential of human beings, yet the AI can do activities that we humans cannot. For example the recent revelation about Cambridge Analytica indicated that they used AI to compile large volumes of data belonging to Facebook users, apply mathematical studies to identify the political orientation of the people and possibly rig-up the election mandate of the US. AI Robots like Sophia are sophisticated enough to think and answer questions posed by people. But does this make the AI technology superior to human beings? Will use of AI result in major layoffs?

Even though there is no answer to the first question, we can be rest assured that emergence of new technologies has only brought about new avenues and simplifying our jobs. Around two decades back, when computers and software emerged, similar apprehensions of layoffs were expressed, but it was seen that the new technology required newer skills to handle it and there was an emergence of new breed of Engineers, Operators and Trainers. A similarly scenario is expected with the emergence of AI. AI is not going to replace humans in a short period, but AI robots can be built with high capabilities in specific fields.

Let’s see where our country can use the power of AI. We can have AI robots planting trees, doing farming and agriculture. These AI robots can be designed to assess the weather and improve the harvest yields. We can use AI for cleanup activities, efficient garbage disposal, improving town planning activities among other unsaid millions of activities that we hate to do but can let an intelligent machine to it.

I would like to conclude that humankind would reap huge benefits with proper design and channeling of Artificial Intelligence.

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