AI companionship, AI consciousness, and more: 5 things you might have overlooked about AI today
Today, on December 22, the field of artificial intelligence (AI) is raising thought-provoking questions about its potential applications and its inner workings. Intuition Robotics has developed a talkative robot named ElliQ, which is providing companionship to elderly individuals in the United States, addressing the issue of loneliness. The concept of AI companionship is being extensively explored, with even Elon Musk expressing his thoughts on the matter. Additionally, a group of scientists is forming a coalition to raise important inquiries about AI consciousness. They believe that finding answers to these questions will not only contribute to the ethical use of AI but also assist in establishing safety measures for this technology.
AI for partnership
Israel-based tech company Intuition Robotics has recently launched an AI-powered ElliQ robot that can listen to users and respond verbally, according to a report by ABC. The company’s robots have been launched in the United States and have become an important tool to help the elderly fight their loneliness. These chatty robots are used by many elderly people and they spend time in casual conversations.
According to the report, ElliQ can tell jokes, play music and even give motivational quotes. It also comes with a video display that can help users with exercise, medication, water reminders and more.
Scientists are concerned about AI consciousness
According to a report in the journal Nature, a coalition of researchers is questioning the consciousness of artificial intelligence. The question is simple – does AI have consciousness and does it understand us?
In its comments to the UN, AMCS (Association for Mathematical Consciousness Science) calls for more funding for consciousness and artificial intelligence research. They emphasize the urgency of scientific investigation of the boundaries between conscious and unconscious systems, citing ethical, legal, and security issues related to AI consciousness. AMCS highlights the need to address issues such as whether humans should have the authority to turn off conscious AI systems after use. Notably, these concerns have been ignored in recent AI security discussions, including the AI Security Summit in the United Kingdom and President Joe Biden’s Responsible AI Development Order.
Dallas airport uses artificial intelligence to return lost luggage to passengers
Mikha Sabu and a team at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport are using artificial intelligence to improve their lost and found services, reports CBS News. Despite more than 18,000 lost items every year, around 90% are returned to their owners with the help of AI. In the process, travelers report missing items with details, and AI software matches this information with found items using images and descriptions, ensuring successful return of items to their owners.
An AI tool for screening neural disorders
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, in collaboration with Aster-CMI Hospital, have created an artificial intelligence tool capable of detecting carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), reported PTI. Using ultrasound videos, the tool identifies the median nerve, which when compressed in the carpal tunnel of the wrist causes symptoms such as numbness, tingling or pain. CTS is a common nerve disorder that particularly affects individuals who engage in repetitive hand movements, such as office workers who use keyboards, assembly line workers, and athletes.
India boosts artificial intelligence in weather forecasting
According to a Reuters report, India is experimenting with artificial intelligence to develop climate models for weather forecasting due to enhanced weather forecasting. The increase in weather events caused by global warming has led to an increase in extreme weather events, resulting in nearly 3,000 deaths this year, according to an estimate by the Center for Science and the Environment. Met Offices worldwide are turning to AI for its potential to reduce costs and increase speed, and the UK’s Met Office notes that AI could “revolutionize” weather forecasting, as a recent Google-funded model that outperforms traditional methods shows.
