AI: The Good Guys

Who Are The Good Guys?

First of all, the field of, let us call it, AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) is much older, larger, broader, more complicated, and more intertwined than most of us realize, a discussion for another day. For the purposes of this article, let me make a few distinctions between AI, as in ChatGPT, and Robotics. And, right off the bat, I need to qualify that remark, because increasingly often robotics will include some aspect of AI.

By definition: Robotics involves the creation of robots to perform tasks without further intervention, while AI is how systems emulate the human mind to make decisions and 'learn.

The purpose of this article is to highlight a few of the Robotic Artificial Intelligence (AI) companies whose goal it is, to create products and services that make things easier and better for mankind.

While any organization's goal is to make a profit, yes, even charities, many of them do run honest, ethical, and at times altruistic businesses. To name the biggies, we don't know if Microsoft, Google, Apple, or Facebook fall outside these parameters, but there are folks who just don't trust them very much.

While the following list of examples is short, it is somewhat representative of up- and-coming players in the field of robotics. I must also say, that to varying degrees, these models integrate AI deep learning.

FDA Approved Robotic Parts

https://www.suitx.com/phoenix

While we can certainly discover unethical practices and companies willing to serve unscrupulous entities within the medical field, this article focuses on the "Good Guys".

I encourage you to follow the "Phoenix" link (directly above). How could one not be in favor of these kinds of AI uses? This is the purest form of AI/robots helping mankind. This robot did not take somebody's job. It restored parts and mobility to an injured human. Just imagine how this guy felt when he could straighten up and re-gain movement. It makes me happy to think about it.

Boston Dynamics

Frank turned me on to Boston Dynamics. Sort of an aside, but relevant to us in our efforts here at Wealthy Affiliate-- and in any discussion on excellence, I was extremely impressed with Boston Dynamic's website. Go look. You will see what I mean. And the robots they feature are quite elegant.

Read this short quote from one of the "Good Guys", Boston Dynamics.

"We prioritize the human element in human-robot partnerships

The next generation of robots will work amongst us and so the working partnership becomes important. We believe that robots will play a complementary role to human ingenuity and creativity in making work safer and more enjoyable. While artificial intelligence is rapidly advancing, we believe that only people have the intelligence to manage the full complexity and richness of real-world conditions in our diverse places of work. We build robots designed from the ground up to leverage human intelligence, keep people safe and relieve the most burdensome work."

https://www.bostondynamics.com/products

In the news: Boston Dynamics joins a group of six (so far) in an open letter pledging to not weaponize their robots.

Below is a link to Agility Robotics featuring the open letter I just mentioned. Similar, but different from Boston Dynamics, its star's (Robot) name is Digit, which arrives at your doorstep in a box, complete with assembly instructions. Or you could order a fleet of digits. This website is worth checking out as well.

https://agilityrobotics.com/news/2022/general-purpose-robots-should-not-be-weaponized

The next example of robotics in action makes me a little sad. It appears my waitress job, if I was so inclined, is one being replaced by robotics. This model in the photo (I mean the robot) is certainly not very attractive.

AI/Robot Servers in Phoenix, AZ

Can you imagine the can of worms that will be opened when some enterprising robot company produces pretty waitresses and handsome waiters. Think Las Vegas for a minute. (Sorry, I'm old-school.)

I haven't heard this in the news yet, but I'm sure that company is out there (pretty robots). They could name it that: Pretty Robots.

Weighing in on the Positives and Negatives

It won't help to stick our heads in the sand-- And the forces that be, whoever or whatever they are, don't care what we think, so let's get on board and have some fun.

It seems like suddenly, though it really isn't, we find ourselves in the midst of a true paradigm shift. And as in the case of most paradigm shifts, it's messy. There is a scramble among combatants to be first. Whether said companies want to be first to help mankind or they only care about making a boatload of money remains to be seen. I'm sure there's plenty of both. But the Good Guys must win.

Make The AI Companies Answer to Us, the Good Guys

Are there more positives than negatives? The answer to that question is: It is up to us.

I don't intend that statement to be an empty platitude, but it could seem that way. Us includes more than just our Wealthy Affiliate community. Us includes the entire planet, and that's pretty broad. Yet, us starts with me. And it starts with you.

We are us.

So, in answering any question about good or evil, whether it's about the future of AI, which appears to be the biggest question of the moment, or any other subject affecting our lives-- It really is up to us. And there are lots of "Good Guys".

“To do nothing is the way to be nothing.” (Nathaniel Hawthorne)

Thank you for reading.

As always, Deelilah (aka Donna)