Is technology a good thing? Yes. Can it be abused and turned into something that is not good? Absolutely. Anything has the potential for good or evil. Sometimes, it is not what it is, but what the motives are, or what the motives become. The problem is not technology, but human nature. Dynamite had a peaceful reason for being created, after all.
For some, artificial intelligence like we saw in the film "Chappie," or a blended human-machine hybrid, may be on the horizon, and perhaps even closer than we think. Some experts believe that humanity's love of their devices, the internet, and having access to massive amounts of information, will lead to humans eventually becoming hybrids. In other words, the cloud will be accessed even easier than it is today. . . because we will do it with our brains. The suggestion by Ray Kurzweil of Google is that humans well be hybrids sometime in the 2030s, which will augment our existing intelligence, making our thinking predominately non-biological.
We'll also be able to fully back up our brains.
"We're going to gradually merge and enhance ourselves," he said. "In my view, that's the nature of being human -- we transcend our limitations."
Some seek the singularity, when humans will be as gods, and faith in God will no longer be necessary.
The Tower of Babel comes to mind.
Of course, the application of technology is also making its way into the military, with the U.S. Navy working to integrate robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) into more of its workload, from warfighting missions to non-combat support roles, and is seeking fleet input on what types of AI research are worth investing in.
The Navy already uses technology for its Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) in the air, a Large Diameter Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (LDUUV) under the sea and the Swarmboat unmanned vehicle on the surface.
With a goal of removing humans from the fight as much as possible, and fit artificial intelligence and robotics into operational support functions or even management, the military has also created a path for leveraging commercial development to the benefit of the military. Doing so may not only save American lives, but save countless amounts of taxpayer dollars in military spending.
There have been some concerns, however. When it comes to artificial intelligence, how much autonomy should be given to these artificial brains, and the weapon systems they control?
In April 2013, the United Nations called for a moratorium on lethal autonomous systems, saying that systems with artificial intelligence should not make life-or-death decisions.
The Navy, however, is seeking ideas for autonomy outside this idea of “lethal autonomous robotics” and more in line with sailors’ day-to-day functions.
Technology has also moved into the realm of genetics, as we are aware. In line with Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park recipe, in addition to the genetic manipulation we've seen with human embryos and genetically modified foods, scientists in real life are already well on their way toward genetically modifying animals for military use.
The limitations of robotics are becoming increasingly apparent when it comes to military applications, so the U.S. military is also working on genetically engineering animals for war.
Over the last decade we have seen scientists working to develop technology to create insect-cyborgs, capable of carrying surveillance equipment or weapons, since tiny flying machines seem to be impossible to build well. The federal government has been encouraging and funding research into methods that can let humans control insects and mammals through electronic impulses to the brain, and through genetic modifications to the nervous systems of insects to make them easier to manipulate. The success rate has been high.
The Navy, however, is seeking ideas for autonomy outside this idea of “lethal autonomous robotics” and more in line with sailors’ day-to-day functions.
Technology has also moved into the realm of genetics, as we are aware. In line with Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park recipe, in addition to the genetic manipulation we've seen with human embryos and genetically modified foods, scientists in real life are already well on their way toward genetically modifying animals for military use.
The limitations of robotics are becoming increasingly apparent when it comes to military applications, so the U.S. military is also working on genetically engineering animals for war.
Over the last decade we have seen scientists working to develop technology to create insect-cyborgs, capable of carrying surveillance equipment or weapons, since tiny flying machines seem to be impossible to build well. The federal government has been encouraging and funding research into methods that can let humans control insects and mammals through electronic impulses to the brain, and through genetic modifications to the nervous systems of insects to make them easier to manipulate. The success rate has been high.
Researchers are already able to hijack the brains of beetles and order them to stop, start, and turn, with more fine-tuned control in the works. Insects created by humans, loaded with spy technology and controlled by drone operators, are on the horizon. Scientists in Korea over the past decade have used viruses to deliver payloads of jellyfish genes to felines, thereby creating glow-in-the-dark cats.
Never mind robotics, scientists are now tinkering and controlling life itself, and they are proud of it. Science is experimenting with genes, brains, and bodies outside the confines of traditional laboratories, and it won't be long before private companies using these breakthroughs will be popping up all over. And it may not stop with insects. Before long, we'll be seeing weaponized, formerly-extinct creatures. A Jurassic World scenario may be coming sooner than we may think.
Not all of the technology emerging has apocalyptic fears attached. Three-dimensional camera technology from the University of Lincoln is helping in the development of a fully automated robotic system that can harvest broccoli.
The project will test whether 3D camera technology can be used to identify and select when broccoli is ready for harvesting. This will be a key step towards the development of a fully automatic robotic harvesting system for broccoli, which will significantly reduce production costs.
In Amsterdam, the application of technology will be in the construction of a bridge, using a 3D printer. A 3D-printing company based in Amsterdam has developed a revolutionary, multi-axis robotic 3D printer that can "draw" structures in the air -- and it's planning to build a bridge over a canal in the heart of the city. A steel bridge.
The team has perfected and tested the robotic printer, creating a metal sculpture of intersecting lines. For the bridge, the team envisions two robots working together in tandem. Construction is scheduled to begin in September.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
The team has perfected and tested the robotic printer, creating a metal sculpture of intersecting lines. For the bridge, the team envisions two robots working together in tandem. Construction is scheduled to begin in September.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
Humans will by hybrids by 2030 - CNN Money
Navy to Accelerate Artificial Intelligence Development for Warfighting, Support Roles - USNI News
You Don't Have to Watch Jurassic World to See Bioengineered Animal Weapons - Foreign Policy
Robot broccoli harvester could cut cost of eating your greens - The Engineer
Gravity-defying 3D printer to print bridge over water in Amsterdam - CNET
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