A Hierarchy of AI Systems by Need

As I’m developing the programming for Bay Area AI, I want to cover interesting/popular topics on the one hand but also unfold a systematic exploration on the other.

I’m thinking of several possible ontologies of AI. One is the level of human need a system attempts to, which can parallel the Maslow’s hierarchy. Here’s an attempt, bottom to top.

Maslow: Basic existence, elementary needs

AI: personal assistants and mundane tasks, managing time, money, individual fundamentals. Guiding one’s life through reminders, advice, on routine matters.

Maslow: Safety

AI: autopilots, taking over critical but mechanical functions of routine life-threatening activities such as driving

Maslow: Belonging

AI: Connected systems — ensembles of cars, coordinating with others’ assistants and autopilots, basic democracy coordination

Maslow: Esteem

AI: competitive performance — AI systems winning in finance, market economy, setups where winning is important

Maslow: Self-actualization

AI: creativity and meaning of life — AI helps one find happiness by minimizing mechanical work and guiding one towards the best application of one’s potential, as well as managing stress, human disagreement, enhancing family life, friendship, etc.

This is a vertical classification that can complement a horizontal one for different areas such as IoT, life sciences, etc.