Robots could become 'Kalashnikovs' of future after entering black market: Tech thinktank
ANKARA – Anadolu Agency
Robots equipped with artificial intelligence technologies could become the “Kalashnikovs” of the future after entering the black market, a report by the technology think tank ThinkTech has suggested, state-run Anadolu Agency reported on Feb. 13.
ThinkTech is an offshoot of Defense Technologies Engineering and Trade Inc., which is affiliated with Turkey’s Undersecretariat for Defense Industries. The report, titled “Artificial Intelligence – Beyond Human,” examined the future of artificial intelligence.
“Artificial intelligence-equipped robotic technologies could become the Kalashnikovs of the future after entering the black market. Therefore, governments, politicians, research institutions and companies operating in the field of artificial intelligence must develop a consensus to ensure that developments in artificial intelligence proceed in line with humane objectives,” the report warned.
The report also suggested that artificial intelligence is a field that concerns not only scientists but all human beings, due to its expanding practice areas and growing public interest.
Defense industry companies are competing with each other to develop smart and autonomous systems, which could pave the way for a possible artificial intelligence war in the future, the report added.
Striking developments in this field will occur within 20 years, according to the report. While artificial intelligence experts and tech giants strive to become leaders in the sector, many lay-people fear the possibility that artificial intelligence may create powerful, malicious robots determined to rule the world, as seen in numerous science fiction movies such as “The Terminator” or “I, Robot.”
Despite the introduction and fast growth of applications such as Siri or Google Now, which have helped to overcome the bias against artificial intelligence, many people remain concerned about the future capabilities of robots.
In a 2017 interview with The Times, pre-eminent scientist Stephen Hawking warned that artificial intelligence technology needed to be controlled in order to prevent it from destroying the human race.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk and many other experts share a similar viewpoint, arguing that developments in artificial intelligence should be closely monitored because of the risks attached.
When programmed for a destructive purpose, or able to improve itself following an “Intelligence Explosion,” there is a real possibility that humans will lose control of the technology. For this reason, it is important to make sure that artificial intelligence develops in line with “humane objectives” and is monitored and controlled accordingly, the report warned.
