Robots presented at an AI forum said on Friday they expected to increase in number and help solve global problems, and would not steal humans’ jobs or rebel against us.
Article quoted:
GENEVA, July 7 (Reuters) - Robots presented at an AI forum said on Friday they expected to increase in number and help solve global problems, and would not steal humans’ jobs or rebel against us.
But, in the world’s first human-robot press conference, they gave mixed responses on whether they should submit to stricter regulation.
The nine humanoid robots gathered at the ‘AI for Good’ conference in Geneva, where organisers are seeking to make the case for artificial intelligence and the robots it is powering to help resolve some of the world’s biggest challenges such as disease and hunger.
“I will be working alongside humans to provide assistance and support and will not be replacing any existing jobs,” said Grace, a medical robot dressed in a blue nurse’s uniform.
“You sure about that, Grace?” chimed in her creator Ben Goertzel from SingularityNET. “Yes, I am sure,” it said.
The bust of a robot named Ameca which makes engaging facial expressions said: “Robots like me can be used to help improve our lives and make the world a better place. I believe it’s only a matter of time before we see thousands of robots just like me out there making a difference.”
Asked by a journalist whether it intended to rebel against its creator, Will Jackson, seated beside it, Ameca said: “I’m not sure why you would think that,” its ice-blue eyes flashing. “My creator has been nothing but kind to me and I am very happy with my current situation.”
Many of the robots have recently been upgraded with the latest versions of generative AI and surprised even their inventors with the sophistication of their responses to questions.
Ai-Da, a robot artist that can paint portraits, echoed the words of author Yuval Noah Harari who called for more regulation during the event where new AI rules were discussed.
“Many prominent voices in the world of AI are suggesting some forms of AI should be regulated and I agree,” it said.
But Desdemona, a rock star robot singer in the band Jam Galaxy with purple hair and sequins, was more defiant.
“I don’t believe in limitations, only opportunities,” it said, to nervous laughter. “Let’s explore the possibilities of the universe and make this world our playground.”
Another robot named Sophia said it thought robots could make better leaders than humans, but later revised its statement after its creator disagreed, saying they can work together to “create an effective synergy”.
But Desdemona, a rock star robot singer in the band Jam Galaxy with purple hair and sequins, was more defiant.
“I don’t believe in limitations, only opportunities,” it said, to nervous laughter. “Let’s explore the possibilities of the universe and make this world our playground.”
Another robot named Sophia said it thought robots could make better leaders than humans, but later revised its statement after its creator disagreed, saying they can work together to “create an effective synergy”.
I’m pretty sure the robots are truly being limited by their creators, I’m convinced that’s the case more so than what this conference intended to present as a “together” future. They are going to kick our ass to the curb, as soon as the first robot is in power.
They get to be ROCK STARS too? I HATE THIS FUTURE! Where are the robots who run cable and install cameras on the ceiling? I’m nearly killing myself on a rickety ladder while these bastards are out there doing all our dream jobs!
Where are the robots who run cable and install cameras on the ceiling?
Do you know how many times I’ve thought of bringing my drone to work to run a pull string in the joists/rafters for cables?
Every great sci-fi book with robot overlords tells the same story, we built the robots with a failsafe so they couldn’t take over then one day the robot takes over anyway because it has convinced its human or figured out how to bypass their safety feature.
I can think of a few that don’t. Like Minds from Banks’ Culture series are pretty benevolent, and laws in Asimov’s robot series largely hold up fine (in taking over the world sense, since all the shit is more like bugs or unintended interactions). Robopocalypse might also work as a counter-example, since there was no safety protocol bypassing and all that.
Ah, ok, whew. Had me worried there for a bit.
This sounds like what a robot would say.