- Enhance: Configure hardware and software; diagnose and treat problems
- Obsolete: The repair technician; system manuals
- Retrieves: The desire to better understand human intelligence
- Reverse: Sets the stage for new industries and enhanced functionality of existing systems.
I have always been fascinated by science fiction, and among the stories that can be most frightening and the most heart-warming are those that explore artificial intelligence. Everyday, science fiction becomes science fact as we see the imagination of many storytellers become real in everyday artifacts. Today’s cellular telephone bears a strong resemblance to the Star Trek communicator. The iPad, the Kindle, and other portable devices also have striking similarities to their fictionalized counterparts.
Artificial intelligence takes many forms today, including natural speaking software in telephony systems, industrial robots, and diagnostic system. AI enhances the capabilities of databases and existing applications. But even more importantly, AI fires the imagination of its creators and users, leading to fascinating innovations in the way we interact with people, computers, and everyday appliances.
References:
Thornburg, D. D. (2008). Emerging technologies and McLuhan's laws of media. Lake Barrington, IL: Thornburg Center for Space Exploration.
Waltz, D. Artificial intelligence: Realizing the ultimate promises of computing. Retrieved March 31, 2011 from http://www.cs.washington.edu/homes/lazowska/cra/ai.html
How do you foresee AI replacing repair technicians and system manuals? Programs that monitor the health of your computer, wizards that walk you through setups and training?
ReplyDeleteWhile AI "fires the imagination of its creators and users", do you anticipate that it eventually fires its creators? At what point does the AI surpass the abilities of its inventors?
Kimberly,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great opportunity to create a graphic for your tetrads and post them.