Dr. Mercola May 08 2007 13,728 views
A singularity is a term that happens when the exponential growth in technology reaches a point where the consequences are completely unknown.
The AI pioneer, mathematician and author Vernor Vinge estimates that one such singularity will occur by the year 2020, and that the cause will be the creation of robots "who surpass humans in every intellectual and creative dimension."
He believes that this development is the most likely non-catastrophic outcome in the next few decades. What happens beyond that singularity, Vinge says, will be profound and unimaginable.
In the meantime, Vinge believes we'll see many more mobile robots than ever before, including ones that are equipped to be more agile and coordinated than human athletes could ever hope to be, even in open field situations.
Dr. Mercola's Comment:
Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics certainly offer some exciting developments. The question is, though, how both will affect our world in the future.
Seems like you won't have long to wait, according to the linked interview with Vernor Vinge. Not surprising, when you consider that businesses like Honda and Sony are already working toward making robots a ubiquitous presence in our lives.
Even more exciting to me is his notion that governmental abuses in their present form -- especially those that harm your health like the Vioxx debacle -- may disappear, thanks to the empowerment and freedom technology brings, via online networks, online databases, social networks and Web sites like Mercola.com.
All of these advantages brought about by growth of the Internet will serve to make people -- fueled by deep knowledge -- more resourceful, vigilant and diverse than any government could ever be.
I really believe that the powers currently in control of the world are not expecting the amazing forces that are being unleashed, especially with the Internet. I remain confident that sites like Mercola.com will be instrumental in educating the masses about simple, practical and inexpensive tools that allow people like you to Take Control of Your Health.
Related Articles:
The Incredible World of Nanotechnology My Review of the Consumer Electronic Show and Some of the Top Gadgets Feds Crack Down on Human Cloning Lab and My A.I. Movie Review
The Incredible World of Nanotechnology
My Review of the Consumer Electronic Show and Some of the Top Gadgets
Feds Crack Down on Human Cloning Lab and My A.I. Movie Review
I don’t think that any AI guru can claim the in just 13 years they will have developed a robot/computer that will “surpass humans in every intellectual and creative dimension”. At present we understand practically nothing about the human brain – when you crack somebody’s head open you can’t isolate thoughts or feelings. And what about the soul? We are greater than the sum of our parts.