leaps and bounds

Technology may one day destroy us. That day may not be so far away (depending on half-empty/half-full daily filter). I’ve noticed a couple really compelling articles on the state of robotics. In particular, the articles raised concerns of the ethical aspects of robots, both in their interactions with humans and also when robots are completely autonomous.

In my reading experience, the two articles were nearly back to back in time. Looking now, the two articles are separated by nearly two months.  The first piece,  "The ethical dilemmas of robots",  appeared on March 9th. While the second article, "Robot future poses hard questions", was published on April 24th.  The only reason time is of consequence is because I don’t ever recall reading any such controversial publications about robotics in such a short time-span. Not even back in my robotics class at art school in 1990.

At any rate, both articles  signify increasingly astute observations about the ethical dilemmas we, as humans, are to face regarding robots rights. It’s fascinating stuff.  I have no doubt, robots will become smarter than humans. This may be the case, if only to display the programming prowess of engineers and our computational potential.

Turns out
Science Fiction has been a misnomer all these years.  Science, sure, but the Fiction is transitional. Until our race is overtaken by robots or other forms of technology wreak (even more) havoc on us environmentally or socially, I will be in deep awe of the quality of technological progress enables these days.

I’m beside myself with excitement over the recent study of 200 scientists who have found key genetic variants that determine a handful of the major diseases worldwide. This study, the Wellcome Trust Case Consortium, has just announced their watershed results today. The BBC provides a nice  overview and also some insight into the actual diseases the research has covered.

When our wars, climate change and disparity between populations can be overwhelming,  technological progress which supports and enhances humanity provides such a sweet, sweet contrast.