Future Clash: Mind-Chips vs. Robot Minds

I came across a statement by Sam Altman, the founder of OpenAI. He mentioned, “he tries not to dwell on it too much, but he has taken precautions to prepare for an uncertain future. Altman mentioned having guns, gold, potassium iodide, antibiotics, batteries, water, gas masks from the Israeli Defense Force, and even a vast patch of land in Big Sur that he can escape to.”

Surprisingly, he is not alone in his concerns. Even billionaires like Mark Zuckerberg invest their time and energy into learning jiu-jitsu, a martial art that equips individuals with self-defence skills.

Not only tech giants but also esteemed scientists like Max Tegmark revealed in Lex Friedman’s podcast that he decided not to have children in the long term. His reasoning was simple: the future is so uncertain that he cannot predict what lies ahead.”

This convergence of preparations and personal choices got me thinking about the potential dangers that lie ahead as AI continues to advance.

A significant turning point in this advancement could be the integration of AutoGPT into a robot. This exponential growth in robotic intelligence poses new challenges and risks. With tools like ChatGPT, robots can easily communicate with one another, facilitating the sharing and evolution of knowledge.

While robots have been around for half a century, the real breakthrough will be creating robots that can operate effectively with their hands. This aligns with Moravec's Paradox, which suggests that tasks requiring high-level cognitive abilities, such as abstract thinking, are often easier for machines. In contrast, seemingly simple physical tasks are more challenging.

Now, let's delve into who will emerge victorious in the battle between AI-enabled humans and AI-enabled robots.

When I mention AI-enabled humans, I refer to individuals with chips implanted in their brains, augmenting their cognitive abilities. On the other hand, AI-enabled robots are machines created entirely by AI, possessing an unparalleled level of intelligence.

The robot would win because humans have self-preservation instincts. We are always cautious and avoid getting hurt. We wouldn't resort to tearing off a robot's leg and using it as a weapon because we would suffer injuries. You’ll think that the chip in my brain would help me strategise and develop alternative solutions.

No, our brain limits how quickly our brain can process information, so if we cut our thumb, it would take about a quarter of a second for pain to register. That delay would hinder our speed. A robot doesn't experience pain and can move much faster.

Elon Musk predicts a future where robots will move at such incredible speeds that we will require a strobe light just to see them. His statement emphasises the exponential growth of robotic capabilities, raising concerns about the potential consequences.

The topic of how heavily we depend on AI and its impact on our cognition, decision-making, and even our sense of self is a multifaceted subject that deserves thorough exploration and thoughtful discussion.

As I conclude this blog post, I can't help but feel a mix of curiosity and fear about the path we are heading towards. Integrating AI into humans and robots blurs the line between man and machine, raising profound questions about our future as a species.

Can we live together peacefully with our AI-powered creations? Or will we face unexpected problems and lose control over the technology we've developed? These are big questions that make us think about what lies ahead.