Questioning regarding future intelligence of robotics?

Question

I was watching one of my usual evening shows tonight "NextWorld" on the discovery channel (quite interesting if you have not seen it yet). Anyways, it talks about future technology and what we can expect in the future. Tonight it was stated that in 30+ years’ robots, machines and computers will actually be able to have reflection and self-awareness comparable to the abilities of humans.

On one hand, I find this fascinating. On another hand, it is quite frightening in some terms. To think that humans actually created the robots with our intelligence and then to learn that the intelligence we created could surpass our ability makes me ponder in general about this topic.

My question: If this is true and in the future that humans have increased in technology to create a robot/ computer that can surpass our capability, would that be taking a risk putting the human race in a hazardous situation? Keep in mind, I am speaking in terms of the robot actually having the ability to reflect and utilize self-awareness.

Thank You!

Answer 1

dont worry about the robots we create. the ones you need to fear are the robotics that aliens bring to destroy the planet

Answer 2

Because I agree that this could happen I don't use self check out lanes at the grocery store or those self check out movie rental machines because I feel it's going to leave some people unemployed in the future. Coffee vending machines exist as well.

This may happen and it just may start with our jobs!

I'm not crazy....

Answer 3

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xpymrepGru8/RkRZ3K...

LOL.

Answer 4

Here's the problem:  we can't figure out AI until we figure out old fashioned intelligence.   I don't think we've done this yet; in fact, I dont think we have even developed the basic concepts necessary for developing a theory of intelligence. How well do humans understand creativity, knowledge production and exploitation, and the true nature of 'desire'?  

Answer 5

With the current state of AI (that it technically doesn't exist), their claim is pretty irresponsible.  As The null set has noted, we don't even know for sure how the brain works.  Even apart from cognition, numerous other problems of biological function (e.g., vision) haven't yet been solved for AI.  So... basically, it boils down to trying to do the work of millions of years of evolution with like 50 years of computer science.

However, if it were possible... yeah, I do think it would be a risk.  This is basically what Frankenstein warns against, no?  This is not to say that ultimately it shouldn't be done, but it would bear a lot of consideration.

Answer 6

Until EVERY human being is dependent on technology to stay alive, it's unlikely than any machine will ever be able to threaten our entire species.  As long as some humans are capable of pulling the plug, we have little to worry about.