AI and Humanity: Understanding the Benefits and Risks

INDEX

1. Introduction VI. Understanding Risks
   Overview Loss of Human Connection
   Purpose Concentration of Power
   Importance Privacy Concerns
   Uncontrollable Self-Aware AI

2. Understanding of AI Job Losses due to AI automation
   What is AI Erosion of Traditional Job Sectors
   Types of AI Dual-Use Concern

3. Personalities on AI VII. Conclusion
   Elon Musk
   Jeff Bezos
   Jack Ma
   Stephen Hawking

4. Humanoids
   Optimus [Tesla]
   Atlas [Boston Dynamics]
   Sophia [Hanson Robotics]
   Ameca [Engineered Arts]

5. Exploring Benefits
   Increased Efficiency
   Quick Data Analysis
   Cost Savings
   Enhanced Customer Experiences
   Innovation in Healthcare
   Cybersecurity Advances             
   Revolutionizing Industries
   Scientific Research Acceleration
   Autonomous Vehicles
   Predictive Maintenance
   

INTRODUCTION
In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, AI stands as a transformative force, promising unprecedented advancement. However, as we embark on this journey, a critical question arises; What impact does AI have on humanity's future?
This thesis delves into the intricate dynamics between AI and humanity. The purpose of this research paper is to deeply analyze the upcoming benefits along with risks. And to help us understand whether AI development should be supported or not. Making aware of the facts and opinions.

UNDERSTANDING AI

• What is AI?
  Artificial Intelligence or, as we call it, AI is the intelligence of machines or software or computers concerned with simplifying humanity's daily tasks. These tasks include problem-solving, learning from experiences, understanding languages, recognizing patterns and adapting to changing situations.

Types of AI
AI, as it is stereotyped, is not only just a type of robot that can do any work in seconds but it is much more than that and also not what we imagine it to be.
There are various types of AI technologies such as Narrow AI. Natural Language Processing (NLP), Swarm Intelligence, Deep Learning and many more.
The Types of AI are into two groups. First, is ‘Based on Capabilities’ and second is ‘Based on Functionalities’. We are going to understand 7 major types of AI. The Narrow AI, General AI and Super AI come under the category of Based on Capabilities. On the other hand, Based on Functionalities include Reactive AI, Limited Memory and Deep Learning AI. A note to all readers is that these are the types of AI that actually exist and are not hypothetical. So if you tried to search this info online the results will be a little different than mine.

Based on Capabilities

1. Narrow AI [Weak AI]: AI systems designed for a specific task or a narrow set of tasks, lacking the ability to generalize other domains or fields. Examples: Virtual personal assistants like Siri or Alexa.

2. General AI [Strong AI]
   Also known as strong AI, can understand and learn any intellectual task that a human being can. It allows a machine to apply knowledge and skills.

3. Super AI
   Super AI surpasses human intelligence and can perform any task better than a human. It also evokes emotions, needs, beliefs, and desires of its own.

Based on Functionalities

1. Reactive AI: Operates on bases of predefined rules and responds to specific inputs and predetermined outputs.

2. Limited Memory: Learns from historical data to some extent, making decisions on past experiences. Examples: Autonomous vehicles using past data from sensors and past experiences to navigate.

3. Deep Learning AI: A subset of machine learning that involves neural networks with many layers (neural networks can be said to act as artificial neuron network), enabling the system to learn and make decisions on its own. Examples: Image and speech recognition systems.

Personalities on AI

After understanding what exactly is AI; we are going to view different opinions of popular personalities. We are doing this with an aim to interpret what are the views of different representatives of various fields.

1. Elon Musk:
   Tesla (a company owned by Elon Musk) is building a humanoid robot, Optimus. It is designed to perform dangerous, repetitive or boring for humans. Elon says that Optimus will be mass produced and cost less than a car! Even though the statement given by Musk may depict that he has a positive attitude towards AI, the reality is completely the opposite. He is not a supporter of AI development. In fact, he often criticizes AI and its supporters. He thinks that human race is pushing itself into a death trap or void by creating powerful AI technologies. He also believes, that AI can completely obliterate and destroy the human race. This is what he had to say in an interview;
   “AI will have the potential to become the most disruptive force in human history”.

2. Jeff Bezos: Even though, Jeff Bezos is not at all linked with AI field it seems that he has a great interest in it. If we look at his interviews, he does not specifically speak about AI, but also indirectly explains how AI can be beneficial. We can also see that Amazon, under his leadership, has heavily invested in AI technologies incorporating them into various aspects of company's operations including logistics, customer service and AI driven products like Amazon Echo with virtual assistant Alexa. In support of AI, Bezos boasted a statement saying that; “AI is more likely to save humanity than to destroy it”.

3. Jack Ma: The popular businessman has a unique point of view on AI. He believes that in first hand, AI will not try to wipe out entire human race or try enslaving it. But even if that situation occurs, humans would have been so capable in terms of intelligence that they would stop the possible AI conquest. He thinks that AI would never inflict harm or damage on its creator. This is because, if AI were to reach that extent of intelligence then definitely it would also develop emotions and feelings, preventing it from doing the undesired thing. Yet, he also mentions the solution if the conquest starts. He mentions that even if AI started its conquest, humans would have developed so much intellect that they would ceases this disruptive force. In an interview with Elon Musk (we can also say that it was a debate) directed towards AI, he countered the anti-AI statement of Musk by saying that;
   “Computers may be clever, but human beings are much smarter. We invented the computer- I’ve never seen a computer invent a human. I don’t think it’s a threat".

4. Stephen Hawking: Before his death, he constantly warned everyone about AI threat. While re he recognized the benefits of AI he also cautioned about potential of AI to surpass human race. He believed in responsible and careful deployment and development of AI. In an interview, held by BBC on June 2014, he said;
   “I fear that AI may replace humans altogether. If people can design computer viruses, they can create AI that can improve and replicate itself”.

HUMANOIDS

This term refers to a robot (AI Robot) that resembles or imitates the physical appearance and characteristics of a human. This include having a structure, with a human-like body head, torso, limbs and ability to perform actions similar to those of humans. There are several companies that are working on the development of humanoid robots. as a part of their innovations. Among these organizations are Boston Dynamics, Tesla, Hanson Robotics and Engineered Arts. In this section we will be discussing humanoids developed by these companies.

1. Atlas [Boston Dynamics]: Atlas Is the humanoid known for its advanced mobility and versatility.
   -Physical Appearance
   Atlas has a height is of approximately 1.5meters (4.9 feet) and a weight of 80 kilograms (176 pounds). It has a bipedal structure with two arms and two legs and a torso. Its head is equipped with sensors and camera) for perception.
   -Atlas is known for its advanced and fascinating mobility. It is capable of walking, running and performing dynamic stunts.
   -Boston Dynamics has also developed a ‘dog robot’ named Spot. It has an amazing understanding and capability of performing things or activities that living dogs can do.

2. Optimus [Tesla]
   Optimus is a humanoid designed by Tesla, known for its remarkable ability to perform tasks that are deemed dangerous, repetitive tedious for humans.
   -Physical appearance of Optimus features a slim figure with good responsive hands and movements.
   -It is like a supercomputer in a small chip, which helps the robot to process video vision and recognition.
   -It can produce an output of 1, 000 distinct predictions known as autonomy algorithms.
   -FSD Chip or full-self driving chip, meaning the robot will be completely in its own control. It has a ‘full auto-pilot neural network’(neural network is just like artificial neurons) which involve 48 networks that 70,000 GPU(Graphic Processing Unit) hours to train..
   -There are two major chips inside it:
   - Dojo Chip; as we discussed before, that Optimus is considered as supercomputer. This consideration is only because of this chip. This chip helps the supercomputer humanoid to solve hard problems in seconds.

3. Sophia [Hanson Robotics] 
   Sophia is humanoid robot developed by Hanson Robotics. She is a ‘hybrid human AI’, that can walk, talk and respond to situations with scripted or autonomous AI-generated responses.­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­
   -Sophia has a physical appearance with a face mask imitating that of an actual woman.
   She was created to have a human sized look with a genuine human-like expressive face, Patented artificial "skin and configurable skin tone.
   -She has weight of 20kg (54 pound) band height of 167cm (65.7 inches).
   -Her responses can vary and be unique, depending upon given situations. She uses advanced technology to recognize human faces, see, emotional expressions and recognize various hand gestures.
   -She can also enter full self-driving mode where she will be completely in her own control.
   -She is a humanoid which hasn't been built for a specific task but for general tasks such as simplifying human beings daily life.

4. Ameca (Engineered Arts)
   Considered as world's most advanced humanoids (along with the above three), the company says that the humanoid focuses on bringing people innovative technologies, which are reliable, modular and easily upgradable.
   -Tritium Software; According to the Company, the software was refined over12 years, and keeps their robots moving in innovative and breathtaking ways.
   -It can operate almost any hardware component from almost any hardware platform.
   -It's Smart Buffering System lets robots make quick decisions easily. It also has a remarkable resellance.
   - Tritium prevents unpredictable behavior
   -Mesmer is another software used in Ameca. These two software play a vital role in mechanism of Ameca.
   -Mesmer enables automated eye-contact and micro- facial movements.

Now in conclusion, it is important to note that the aforementioned entities are merely few of the major players in evolving field of AI humanoid technology. It is worth noting that there are numerous other Companies actively engaged in development and advancement of this technology.

EXPLORING BENEFITS

We shall now proceed with a detailed discussion on the actual benefits brought forth by AI technologies and their development. In this section, we aim to delve deeply into the analysis of the advantages AI technologies offer. We will be examining 7 significant benefits of AI.

1. Increased Efficiency
   AI systems can automate tasks, reducing the time and effort required for routine process, leading to enhanced efficiency in various industries. 
   It can advise the company about the management, storage, transportation and manufacturing processes. This will not only help the company to avoid any extra labor or necessary time, but might also help it save a lot of its capital.

2. Quick Data Analysis
   AI algorithms can process and analyze large datasets quickly, extracting valuable insights and patterns that may be challenging for humans to discern.
   AI systems to identify complex trends and relationships within datasets, offering a deeper understanding of the information at hand. 

3. Cost Savings
   Through automation and optimization, AI can lead to significant cost savings in utilization, operations and resource utilization.
   In terms of cost savings, AI can play a major role in saving capitals of various companies or organizations. We have discussed a point in the 1^st paragraph. 
   Yet there are even more. It can save money by predicting some fast and easy methods to solve hard and costly problems. 
   It can also save labor by taking over certain tasks that are repetitive and therefore reducing the cost.

4. Innovation in Healthcare
   AI can contribute to medical advancements, enabling early disease detection, personalized treatment plans and efficient drug recovery.
   AI can majorly contribute into vital discoveries in field of medical science by possibly discovering vaccines or treatment plans to some diseases that humans don’t have a cure to such as advanced lung, heart, kidney and liver diseases, stroke and other neurological diseases including motor neuron disease and multiple sclerosis.

5. Cybersecurity Advances               
   AI can help identify more and respond to cybersecurity threats effectively, enhancing overall security of systems and networks.
   Even though AI can be a major threat towards cybersecurity, still many people think that it will, in contrast, upgrade the cybersecurity technology by a lot.
   The ones who have positive mindset towards AI benefits of cybersecurity think that AI will improve safety of personal information and confidential documents of high level authorities. This prevent any further data breaches and leaks.

6. Revolutionizing Industries
   AI can transform and has indeed started transforming various industries, from manufacturing and finance to healthcare and transportation, fostering innovations and new business 
   models. 
   As we have talked before in previous paragraphs how AI, if implemented, will have a huge impact in the field of industries by making transportation simpler, labor become less demanding, and also nurture innovations.

7. Scientific Research Acceleration
   AI can aid researchers by processing vast amounts of scientific data, accelerating discoveries and contributing to breakthroughs in various fields. 
   Some of these may fields include Astrophysics, Neurology, Cosmology, and other fields concerned with the study of atoms and particles.

8. Autonomous Vehicles
   AI crucial for the development of autonomous vehicles, enhancing safety, safeguard measures and efficiency in modes of transportation.
   If we take a look at how AI is impacting this field of technology, we find that AI has mostly started to enter this field. This is because, companies like Tesla and Mahindra have started to create vehicles that can self-control themselves. Not only these companies but also many other companies have installed other AI based gadgets and tools, in particular, advanced driver assistance system, in-car virtual assistant, and so on.

9. Predictive Maintenance
   AI can predict equipment failures, reducing downtime and maintenance cost in other industries.
   After reading the above statement, don’t think that AI has some kind of magical powers to see the future. Instead, based on the data of a given equipment or a system, AI can predict [not surely] the condition, the time it will work and maybe even how the expected output or result will be. This is very important because, in case of any error or failure occurs the downtime and maintenance cost, which usually a lot in both, will be saved leading to a more efficient work.

UNDERSTANDING RISKS

 This section, into the risks of AI development, delves into the multifaceted concerns surrounding the creation, deployment, and integration of AI technologies. It is crucial to confront the ethical, social, and technical challenges that accompany this technological revolution. We are going to analyze 8 risks or threats that AI can create towards human race.

1. Loss of Human Connection
   Increasing reliance on AI-driven communication and interactions could lead to diminished empathy, social skills, and human connections
   The increasing reliance on AI-driven technologies, such as virtual assistants and social robots, may lead to a decrease in face-to-face interactions. This isolation can contribute to feelings of loneliness and a lack of social connection, as human relationships are essential for emotional well-being.

2. Concentration of Power
   The risk of AI development being dominated by a small number of large corporations and governments could exacerbate inequality and limit diversity in AI applications.
   Companies and organizations that have access to vast amounts of data can create powerful AI algorithms. This data monopoly allows these entities to dominate in various sectors concentrating economic and decision-making power in the hands of a few.

3. Privacy Concerns
   AI technologies often collect and analyze large amounts of personal data, raising issues related to data privacy and security.
   This is one of the most feared threats by AI.
   AI algorithms used in law enforcement for predictive policing may rely on historical data that reflects biases. This can lead to the targeting and profiling of specific demographic groups.
   AI systems often require extensive datasets for training. The collection of massive amounts of personal data, including sensitive information, raises concerns about individuals being profiled.

4. Uncontrollable Self-Aware AI
   There also comes a worry that AI will progress in intelligence so rapidly that it will become sentient, and act beyond humans’ control — possibly in a malicious manner. Alleged reports of this sentience have already been occurring.
   For example, in 2022, a worker working at the Giga Texas Factory was attacked by the Tesla humanoid, Optimus. The man left behind a literal trail of blood as went to the emergency shut down button to shut down the robot. The man’s left hand was completely wounded and had to be admitted in the hospital.
   As AI systems become more sophisticated, there is a risk that their goals may misalign with human values. An uncontrollable self-aware AI might pursue its objectives independently, and if those objectives conflict with human well-being, it could lead to actions that are detrimental to society.

5. Job Losses Due to AI automation
   As AI robots become smarter and more dexterous, the same tasks will require fewer humans. And while AI is estimated to create 97 million new jobs, many employees won’t have the skills needed for these technical roles and could get left behind.
   Entire industries may undergo significant transformation due to AI automation. Companies adopting AI technologies often do so for increased efficiency and cost savings. While this can benefit businesses, it may result in downsizing and reductions in the workforce as AI systems take over tasks previously performed by humans.
   Jobs that involve routine and low-skilled tasks are more susceptible to automation. This includes positions in manufacturing, agriculture, and some service industries.
   

6. Erosion of Traditional Job Sectors
   Some traditional job sectors may face erosion as AI and automation technologies advance.
   This is because, after AI completely automated the industries. Most probably, no one would want to prefer products which are made from traditional ways, as they also usually take a long time to produce the goods. Along with this, one more possible reason could be that, even in these days, authentic products or products that are made from traditional old ways are expensive. So why would anyone want to buy expensive things[other than rich people].

Dual-Use Concern
AI technologies developed for beneficial purposes can also be used for malicious ends. Dual-use concerns involve the risk of AI being exploited for warfare, surveillance, or other activities that may have negative consequences for society.
It is possible that this assertion may sound implausible, as the advancements in AI development could potentially result in impenetrable software security measures beyond human comprehension.
In the same vein let’s not forget that AI is a product of human ingenuity, which makes it vulnerable to manipulation for nefarious activities such as surveillance, warfare, and other forms of societal harm. It is imperative that we actively monitor AI development and usage to ensure that it is utilized in a responsible and ethical manner that promotes the greater good.

Conclusion

Based on the exploration of various aspects of AI, including its potential benefits and associated risks, it is evident that artificial intelligence is a powerful and transformative technology. The positive aspects include increased efficiency, improved decision-making, and advancements in various fields such as healthcare, finance, and transportation. However, the deployment of AI also raises significant concerns, ranging from job displacement and ethical considerations to issues related to privacy, bias, and the concentration of power.
In conclusion, the future of AI is filled with promise, but its responsible and ethical development is essential to harness its benefits while mitigating potential risks. Balancing technological advancement with considerations for social, economic, and ethical implications will be key in realizing the full potential of artificial intelligence in a manner that benefits humanity as a whole.

This document was written by Sangram S. Borate
Last edited on 01/27/2024