Focus on Humans. Or so they say.

I attended two major technology events this past month and both of them had one and only one theme in common: Artificial Intelligence.
The buzzword is now at the same level of abuse as BigData and Cloud were some time ago: everybody talks about it, nobody really knows how to do it, but because everybody thinks everyone else is doing it then everybody claims they are doing it.
In other words: everything seems to be obviously intelligent these days, but the truth is that we are far away from it. Yet, something new is happening: traditional computer science is being re-invented: in a conventional system a human would develop an algorithm, which would be fed data and you would get a result. In the new world a machine would be fed data (lots of data) and the corresponding results, and it would develop an algorithm. An algorithm with an alien logic.
This is starting to touch upon the essence of human life and capabilities for the first time in the history of mankind: machines can challenge humankind in many areas and we may not even be able to understand the logic behind it. Fascinating, isn’t it?

Anyways, back to my events: you would think that they have been a mere celebration of new achievements, exciting new techniques and unbelievable technology.
Actually, not quite like that. I am not saying that the systems and the tools to realise the potential of AI were not at centre stage.
What I am saying is that the whole messaging was more on the consequences of AI reshaping both our daily habits and the world as we know it.

AI systems will work by our side, liberating us of repetitive tasks and freeing up the time for new exciting things.
All sessions pretty much carried the same message: AI is such a game changer for many industries and the society as a whole, that we must take it seriously. Very seriously.
In fact, during the events there has been a constant attention for AI ethics. This was not really about the machines turning bad in the Hollywood sense, rather making sure AI learns in an unbiased fashion: good AI needs good data. Or more in general making sure that AI learns good thoughts, good manners and good deeds.
Ultimately, the message that landed strongly is that the AI we want is the one that frees positive will and unleashes good progress for us all.
Consequently, my most relevant take away of these conferences is that we ALL need to curate an ethical implementation of AI.
At the first conference somebody said that responsible AI will augment and amplify human ingenuity: the first word had all the meaning within. At the other event guests were welcomed with the words “Technology Meets Humanity”.

So you see, the ones creating the means reassure us on the end: everything is going to be all right.

Welcome to the new era of Artificial Intelligence. Exciting times ahead.

- Marco

Read more on my thoughts on how to keep AI human.