These are the dangers of creating ‘thinking’ robots

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the current buzzword with scientists working overtime trying to create robots with emotions that think for themselves.

To us with underdeveloped brains it’s inconceivable that tin heads can be filled with feelings, like expressing love towards their clanking fellows. Or having a choice between good and evil.

We scoffed at nerds in the early days of the world-wide web. And Skype? Impossible to see each other on the monitor while conversing, we dumb-dumbs scoffed.

Back to tin heads. They are already in use performing all sorts of practical functions. But they’re programmed to do so, whether they like it or not.

But thinking for themselves? Seems a long way off. But let’s imagine it could be done. How would it impact on the world with clones of Nelson Mandela?

Only good could result, like a true rainbow nation. And clean and competent governance. But how about another Jacob Zuma popping up? What an awful thought. A nightmare, in fact.

Unless their creators can somehow eliminate criminal tendencies, selfishness and greed from the new brain. And reliance on gangster friends.

They’ll have their work cut out because you can’t have a thinking Zuma who knows his figures. And who stays awake during important sessions. Ridding him of his habit of laughing off his opposition, another tough task.

But let’s rather eliminate this crazed thought from our brain.

See, because we’re able to – unlike a robot still struggling with AI. Came across this piece. In the not too distant future, a dad buys a robot. The robot slaps the people who lie.

Dad at dinner time: Son, how’s school?

Son: Great! We learned many things.

Robot slaps son.

Son: Ok, I went to the movies.

Dad: What did you watch? S

on: Toy Story. Robot slaps son again.

Son: Ok, an R-rated movie.

Dad: I never watched movies like that.

Robot slaps dad.

Dad: Ok, I watched an R-rated movie when I was 14.

Mom: Stop this argument, because he is in puberty stage – and he is your son.

Robot slaps mom.

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Cliff Buchler