Artificial Intelligence: Where Does It Stop?

Technology is changing the world as we know it. Just this last year, we’d achieved major advancement in facial recognition technology, self-driving cars, and even reversing paralysis with brain implants. But one of the most substantial advances is still growing: AI.

While the actual name, “artificial intelligence” wasn’t used until 1954 by the Dartmouth Artificial Intelligence Conference, the concept of mechanical artificial intelligence was conceived in the 40s, by the mathematical genius Alan Turing. Alan Turing is most famous for breaking the Nazi code, “Enigma,” during WWII, with his new, unheard of machine we know today as a “computer.” His machine had been capable of deducing any mathematical equation given to it, and solving any computer algorithm. Turing’s work inspired many researchers to contemplate the idea of building an electronic brain.

By the year 1954, the workshop at Dartmouth College had begun to experiment with this new concept of “AI,” and began producing programs that solved algebraic equations, proved logical theorems, and played checkers better than the average human. Advancements in AI were scattered through the decades, with many problems involving funding arising. However, around the late 90s to early 21st century, AI research boomed. Looking at what we’ve achieved with AI today, an artificial intelligence playing checkers seems almost childish.

In fact, in March of last year, AI hit a major milestone in defeating the world champion of the simple, yet incredibly complex game of Go. Go is a game made of just a 19x19 boxed board and black and white stones. There are, however, over 2.08 × 10^170 moves that can be made in the game, a number higher than the amount of known atoms in our universe.

This newest advancement in AI has brought many closer to the inevitable question of what role artificial intelligence will have in our world’s future. And while many are anxiously anticipating what’s next for AI, the question has to be asked of where it stops.

In an article from CNN, it’s pointed out that, “the fear of robots replacing jobs is real,” and that many jobs that only require a high school degree are at great risk of being replaced. The article also gives the example of E-ZPass, an automated toll booth that’s been implemented in 16 states. And there’s an even greater risk from the 7.5 million retail workers, including CVS, which has already implemented self-checkouts in 448 locations, that could all easily be replaced with AI.

The point is, while new advancements in AI are amazing, and another sign of the rate at which our world is technologically progressing, there are new threats that arise from these advancements.