Will Computers Replace Us?

“I believe this artificial intelligence is going to be our partner. If we misuse it, it will be a risk. If we use it right, it can be our partner.”
– Masayoshi Son, businessman

“It can be a little frightening to realize how dependent we are on electronic computers…!”

I often notice all the electronic, artificially intelligent, computer based systems operating in my life at this very second, including:

1. The laptop I’m typing on.
2. The cell phone in my pocket.
3. The central rotor upstairs distributing the signal.
4. The security alarm system in my house.
5. The land line telephone across the room.
6. The banking systems managing my finances.
7. The medical system monitoring my health services.
8. The federal system monitoring my tax payments.
9. The medical system maintaining my dental records.
10. The educational system maintaining my scholastic history.
11. The provincial taxation system monitoring my property taxes.
12. The social network systems (FaceBook, etc.) maintaining my networks of family and friends.
13. The email system maintaining my business network.
14. The external hard drive that stores my creative endeavours.
15. The hearing aids which coordinate the auditory input to my middle ears.
16. The ignition system of my car which connects to my key fob.
17. The wifi system which connects my laptop to my printers.
18. And so on and so on…

It can be a little frightening to realize how dependent we are on electronic computers of one form or another.   And, this dependence grows daily. This can lead to a fear of, not just dependence, but of being controlled by, some form of artificial intelligence (AI) in the near or distant future.

That’s why I found computer scientist Kai-Fu Lee’s short Ted Talk, How AI can save our humanity, so inspiring.   Kai-Fu Lee has been in artificial intelligence (AI) research, development and investment for more than 30 years.  He is the Chairman and CEO of Sinovation Ventures, managing a $1.7 billion dual-currency investment fund.

Prior to founding Sinovation, Lee was the President of Google China. Previously, he held executive positions at Microsoft, SGI and Apple. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and was Vice Chairman of ‘The Committee of 100’ and was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by TIME Magazine.

As you listen to Kai-Fu share his personal and professional perspectives on AI, you might notice his gratitude, certainty and love for you and humanity.

Let me know you thoughts.

“Nothing is more important, certainly during these times of artificial intelligence, than our public education. And as it continues to grow and evolve, I think you and I know this is going to be critical that we are constantly training and retraining and creating these next-generation jobs.”
– Marc Benioff, businessman