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Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) is the intelligence exhibited by machines or computers. A.I. is slowly taking over our world. The science of robotics is changing many aspects of our lives. Robots and A.I. are involved in manufacturing, mining, packing and packaging, dispense cash at the ATM and even check you out at the grocery store. They are killing people on the battlefields of Afghanistan and Iraq. In the medical field they help diagnose and treat patients. They even perform less evasive surgery. Robo calls influence our elections and “chatbox” technology is being used by state governments and political campaigns to spread propaganda.
Robots provide over half the labor of the auto industry. If the corporate giants had their way, robots would replace all workers. No complaints, no unions, no payroll, no pensions or medical insurance to pay for, a perfect corporate world except what will happen to the American worker? Now they are about to take over Americans love of their automobiles or will they?
Artificial intelligence?
The driverless vehicle is already here and is being tested around the country. Companies like Tesla, Google, BMW, Nissan, Mercedes Benz and General Motors are competing to see who will market the first and best driverless vehicle. Recently in Colorado, Uber had a driverless truck safely deliver a load of beer, although a human was in the cab in case something went wrong. Will this mean the end of truck and cab drivers? Some experts have predicted that by 2025 the robot controlled vehicles will be seen regularly on our roads.
The big question and obstacle will be, are Americans willing to give up control of their vehicles to a machine? Will they just sit back in their car on their daily work commute, reading the newspaper and sipping their coffee, safely texting, talking on their cell phone, putting on their make up, working on their computer or even watching Fox news while Mr. Roboto safely drives them to their destination?
I am somewhat of a skeptic. With the number of recalls of vehicles for manufacturing flaws in everything from air bag failures to braking and steering system problems, I would find it hard to trust the vehicle to drive itself safely. I don’t believe that those drivers that race daily to work will give up their habit of speeding down the road, weaving in and out of traffic, riding your rear bumper, cutting you off or pulling out in front of you forcing you to brake quickly, just to save 5 or 10 minutes from their commute time. How will these driverless cars interact with human controlled vehicles? Will this mean the end of road rage and the one finger salute?
Some studies say that the car we own is a reflection of our personality. If we own a driverless car, what does that say about us? Many of us will not see this happen in our lifetime but our children and grandchildren will probably one day ride in these computer controlled cars. Technology will continue to impact lives both positively and negatively. There will be those that say “I will give you my steering wheel when they pry it from my cold, dead hands”, as for me, I say keep an eye on the corporate robots, they are coming to take our jobs. Rage against those machines.
Author’s Note:
I have been given the opportunity to express my opinion and viewpoints on politics, national, state, and local issues as well as life in general. I hope to inform you as well as entertain you, make you smile or make you mad. I will use humor, sarcasm and occasionally anger to express my views. My intention is to hold politicians accountable sometimes bringing some heat on them and if my views make you angry or hot, remember that like my humor, it is a dry heat. These opinions are entirely my own and do not reflect the views of Copper Area News Publishers.
John Hernandez lives in Oracle. He is retired and enjoys writing and traveling. He is active in the Oracle Historical Society. He covers numerous public events, researches historical features and writes business/artist profiles.
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