Moving From AI (Artificial Intelligence) To IA (Intelligence Augmentation)
Introduction
We have seen the amazing feats that have been achieved in the field of technology, of which the area of AI (Artificial Intelligence) has been in the forefront. But just like you know, change is progressive, and we could be witnessing another paradigm shift from the AI into what is called IA (Intelligence Augmentation). In this survey, we will be looking at the comparison between the AI and IA, and of course the limitations. I will also give us a real-life scenario for better understanding.
[Image Source: Pixabay. CC0 Licensed]
To make for a better clarity of this survey, I will quickly put us through the concept of both, starting with the one we're very familiar with.
Concept and overview of AI
We have had some considerably fair knowledge about this (at least, if you've been following my recent posts, you would) so I wouldn't flood here with vain repetitions. it has been often believed that technology is here to assist mankind. Yes; for the major part of it, this is correct, but in the case of AI, we have rather seen machines replacing the functionalities of humans rather than complementing it.
The idea behind AI, in general, is to create a kind of "Machine Learning system" that will enable machines pick up entirely new sets of information and act autonomously. But that is where the major challenge lies; the autonomous nature of these machines have been seen and considered to pose some threats to the existence of mankind. And one of them is the threat that machines would replace humans. No doubt, this has already started; even in the labour market; as machines and automation have taken over some of the human jobs. Here's a statement I had once referenced; which I will still reiterate here; made by Professor Morshe Vardi (Dept. of Computer Science; Rice University Texas)
An era is approaching in which machines (AI, in the context) would out-perform humans in almost every task. - Professor Vardi. Source. [Paraphrased by me]
Now considering this; the threat has been so looming that it has been said that millions of jobs would be decimated by automation in the nearest future. But asides this, we have also seen advancements that could further create machines that would simulate the consciousness of humans in an un-natural way. Do you know what this means? Maybe it could be a partial fulfilment of the prediction made by the lately demised professor of theoretical physics; Stephen hawking:
... AI will take over and end the human race. - Professor Stephen Hawking. Source. [Paraphrased by me]
[Image Source: Pixabay. CC0 Licensed]
Another downturn to the AI is this: Yes! Machines are fast and have high computational abilities, but there are areas that have been kept in the grey area (for example; decision making, common sense, emotions, etc).
In the bid to circumvent all these challenges with AI, another option is fast rising from the shadows, and this is the Intelligence Augmentation (IA). We would look at this and how it would change the face of human-machine interaction in the future.
Concept of IA
The term "Intelligence Augmentation" (IA) is not entirely new to the tech world. The first mention of it was made in the 1950s (around the same time AI was also mentioned first), but it hasn't gained much attention until very lately.
IA is a technology; or I should say; a process whereby machines are made to complement and supplement human abilities, and not to totally replace them as seen in the case of AI and automation. let me give you a real-life scenario to help you understand both the AI and the IA:
There is a flip side to the IA, and that's the area of human-machine symbiosis. Yes! This is actually part of the IA. Looking at this; the earlier discussed AI is void of judgemental inferences, decision making, and efferent relationships (these are the absolute prerogatives of humans). But as you know, humans are limited in physical abilities and strength. Now, considering this fact: A merger between humans and machines could actually be the ultimate destination of the IA, and it could be what would salvage the human race from the predicated threat of an AI takeover.
No wonder it has been said by a renowned futurist and inventor; Elon Musk (CEO Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralinks) that:
Humans would need to merge with machines to protect the human race. Elon musk. [Paraphrased from this video source here]
[Image Source: Pixabay. CC0 Licensed]
I believe what Elon Musk was trying to say is related to the creation of some sort of cybernetic organisms (cyborgs). That means, "biology" would have to merge with "technology" to protect the human race. This sounds like an idea (combination of digital or machine intelligence with biological or human intelligence). No wonder it has been said that:
The future would favour technology over biology
But the technology of IA would also place machine control in our hands, and these machines would also be subject to our dictates, as against AI that would run autonomously without recourse to human input.
Now, the idea of the IA can be summarized like this: Combining the strength of humans with the strength of machines, thus, eliminating the weaknesses in both. And believe me, progresses have been made in the right direction; and in the not-so-far future, this could be a reality.
[Image Source: Pexels. CC0 Licensed]
Conclusion
No doubt, humans are limited in capacity and functionality; and that is the reason we have seen advances being made to augment these limitations. Before now, the major attention was drawn towards the AI, but as it turned out, AI could potentially side-line humans, and this has already started. in a bid to circumvent this, another option arose; which is the IA. Now, instead of machines replacing humans and running autonomously, they can be made to complement us and work together with us in a symbiotic way. This is actually the idea behind IA. After all, technology is meant to assist humankind, not to replace humankind.
Thanks for reading
References for further reading:
All images are CC0 Licensed and are linked to their sources
gif by @foundation
A very intriguing piece here @samminator. Although, I sense a bit of a dooms-day as an undertone from the post.
Strange as it may sound, I do think that biologically, none of these two technologies (AI or IA) portends well for the human race in the "very long" run.
We are roughly 7 billion humans on the planet. Over the next century, that population would probably double or triple. Now, if jobs and sources of livelihood are being taken over, even now, by A.I, how would a world population of about 20 or 21 billion people thrive?
Meanwhile, it is worrisome a thought too, that any technology that would not be under a 100% control of humans could alter human existence.
And realistically, with the consistent advent of new and more sophisticated technology, what hope do our fragile and earthly human race have? 😔😖
Even now, there strea iysn't any factual representation of the possibility of successfully merging humans and machines just yet. And even so, there would always be wear and tear, and degradation of human biology, even when merged with (inorganic) machines.
Human body is pure organic matter; machines are exactly what they are - machines.
So, which way forward @samminator? Are you keen on merging with machines anytime soon? Lolz
Actually bro. The same fear you have about IA is also the same fear that normally greets any emerging technology; which is the fear of uncertainty. For example, before the advent of aeroplane, how will you explain to our forefathers that a heavier-than-air metal would fly? But we have seen the practicalities in this era.
More so, the merger being talked about would not override the part of the human consciousness; just to argument the limitations inherent in our biological bodies. In other words, we would still maintain our humanity and control. Doesn't this sound like a good idea bro?
Who knows, you could decide to merge too :D
Thanks for coming around buddy
nice information,,,
Well, we should be seeing cyborgs soon or later.
The concept of pre-collision system in automobiles is a good example of IA as you stated (i just got to know it is IA today).
Man and machine merger would definitely bring out the best from both and make us a better world..
Exactly bro.
And awesomely enough; we already have cyborgs with us. You can read up on the story of "Neil Harbisson", the colour-blind man that has an antenna implemented into his brain that makes him hear colour.
I see it in a way that there is a huge potential in this area, from machines replacing the missing limbs to assisting humans in everyday assignments. You explained the difference between the two really good! :)
Thanks a lot for the nice comment
Yeah, IA is more safer than AI. The idea of IA is something which can potentially solve the probable problem of AI turning against humans.
Never knew that the origin of the idea of IA was contemporary of AI. Really felt awesome to read and learn. :)
On a side note, the gif banner at the end is by me. :p
Yeah, we learn everyday. I'm glad you found the post educative. Thanks for coming around
Keep bringing awesome content like this. Thanks. :)
Judging from my experiences with nutjobs, I'd argue to replace at least some people with machines. I consider this an upgrade.
Lol. No doubt, some people would definitely need to be replaced with machines. :)
Will i be wrong to say that we are the only one getting complemented here? Robots are creations doing more of monotonous tasks and when things go out of scope then there's nothing for them to do. So I think, iintelligence augmentation should also be pictured as man guiding robots.
Well; "man guiding robots" would be fair enough, but it would be better seen the other way round: "robots helping man" :).
Thanks for dropping by bro
well, we still remain superior. You are welcome by the way.
I have always had my doubts in AI since I saw Will Smith's Robot. Just like you rightly pointed out, man has his weaknesses, AI lacks emotion and common sense. The combination of these two is a better solution, since both will complement each others weakness. I hope technology progresses in the direction of IA, there is a better future in that direction. Nice article @samminator
I remember the movie; I-robot :)
Yeah, the combination of the strength of machines and the strength of humans is actually the idea behind the IA
Hmmmm
I hope what we create with our hands doesnt overthrow us someday
Lovely artilcle
You got shoutout from different people in my show TGIF WITH @jeaniepearl
https://steemit.com/entertainment/@jeaniepearl/tgif-with-jeaniepeal-episode-10
Let not your heart be troubled.
Humans have really done some shits, maybe machines would stop our arses from further decadence. I'm just kidding.
Thanks for dropping by.
Lemme go and look at the shoutout
Dear @samminator. its really a great blog. We know that science made our life easy and comfortable. Really technology is amazing. Without technology we can not do anything . its very helpful and part of our life. Go on sir. I am with you.
Yeah! Technology has remained one of the bedrocks of civilization.
Thanks for coming around