H+ Weekly - Issue #113
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In this issue - a lot on AI; hopes and fears of artificial general intelligence; robots from Boston Dynamics on TED; Roborace; and more!
I added a new section for events & meetups. If you know any interesting meetups in your area about transhumanism, AI, robotics and the impact of the technology on humanity, let me know and I will include it in the newsletter.
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MORE THAN A HUMAN
Implants enable richer communication for people with paralysis
Researchers showed that by using new brain-computer interface technology people with paralysis were able delivers faster and more accurate typing.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
The Corporatization of AI is a Major Threat to Humanity
Ben Goertzel argues that leaving AI in the hands of corporations is a bad idea and explains why making AI open and available for everyone will benefit humanity better.
China announces goal of leadership in artificial intelligence by 2030
China has a plan to become a global power by 2030 and AI is one of the items on their list. In the issue #110, I shared with you an article explaining that China may match or beat America in AI. If the trend will hold, the next AI breakthrough will not come from DeepMind or Facebook, but from Baidu or other Chinese company.
Google's DeepMind creates an AI with 'imagination'
Google's DeepMind is developing an AI capable of 'imagination', enabling machines to see the consequences of their actions before they make them.
The 'creepy Facebook AI' story that captivated the media
I'd like to see more articles like this one from BBC explaining exactly what the current state of AI is without using AIpocalypse arguments and pictures of Terminators.
3 principles for creating safer AI
How can we harness the power of superintelligent AI while also preventing the catastrophe of robotic takeover? As we move closer toward creating all-knowing machines, AI pioneer Stuart Russell is working on something a bit different: robots with uncertainty. Hear his vision for human-compatible AI that can solve problems using common sense, altruism and other human values.
The Musk/Zuckerberg Dustup Represents a Growing Schism in AI
The recent discussion sparked by two billionaires exposing two different views on AI showed that when it comes to AI and its long-term impact on humanity, there are two camp - optimists and pessimists. The first camp sees AI as a beneficent technology, while the second camp is afraid of Terminator scenario.
Man vs. Machine | Mike Rugnetta | PBSDS Nerd Night 2016
Mike Rugnetta on the human-machine rivalry. Because the topic is so broad, Mike will focus on AI in games. Chess in particular. He goes through the history of human endeavour to create a machine capable of beating a human in chess. And Mike being Mike, he goes a bit philosophical.
ROBOTICS
Meet Spot, the robot dog that can run, hop and open doors
Marc Raibert, founder of Boston Dynamics, shows on TED stage SpotMini, one of the company's most iconic robots, and showcases other robots in his talk. Marc also explains why he loves building robots and what goals in robotics he has.
Robots, Start Your Engines!
Imagine a race of autonomous F1 cars. Basically that what Roborace is. Each team is given exactly the same car and the goal is to create an AI that to the finish line faster than others. It not only sounds super awesome, but it also helps accelerate the arrival of self-driving cars. I cannot wait to see this race!
MIT's Supernumerary Robotic Limbs Give You The Extra Arms You Always Wanted
Here's a robot from MIT that gives you two extra arms. Two more and you can become Dr Octopus.
Which Jobs Will Machines Take Over? Movie Critics, Doctors, Truckers...
Despite the video title, Angela Zutavern is not saying AI is all bad and will destroy everything. AI in her opinion will not replace humans entirely. It would be a tool enhancing our jobs, automating tasks we are not good in and leave humans in charge of tasks we are good at. As for all the jobs that AI will take, Angela Zutavern hides behind the "industries we haven’t even thought of yet" argument.
Does Silicon Valley have a moral responsibility to stop developing robots?
As the technology becomes more and more advanced, some people started to ask people creating new AIs and robots to think about the impact the technology will have on society. It can be an interesting debate. Possible dilemma - you have an idea how to solve a massive problem, but it will require thousands of people to lose their jobs. Should you pursue your idea?
EVENTS & MEETUPS
Agenda for the Future
9th September, London
Unless we urgently change our culture, we risk collectively rushing towards a future which will turn out to be hostile to humanity. Can we identify and agree a better Agenda for the Future?
Thank you for subscribing,
Conrad Gray (@conradthegray)
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