<h2 class="wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper">Rise of the machines</h2>

Imagine visiting your favourite cafe. Freshly baked pastries are on display and the rich smell of coffee fills the air. However, when you reach the counter to make an order, the baristaA person who makes and serves coffee for a living. has been replaced by a metal robot.

That future might be closer than you think. An American company called Figure has created a range of AIA computer programme that has been designed to think. -powered robots able to complete human tasks. Their androidA robot that looks like a human being (in science fiction). can already make a cup of coffee.

Figure made the news last week after it raised £534m from some of the world's biggest tech companies. According to the CEOThe Chief Executive Officer is the highest ranking person in a company. They are responsible for making decisions about the company's future. Brett Adcock, their robots "can do basically everything a human can do".¹

The robots are designed to perform tasks too dangerous for humans. However, some think the android will take over the majority of human jobs.

Because AI is moving so quickly, nobody can predict the future. But many scientists worry about an event known as "the Singularity", when technological growth is out of control and cannot be reversed. Companies like Figure might bring that moment closer.

Those in favour of AI argue that change is inevitable. Technology has always altered the workforce, but humans have learnt to adapt. As the influential computer scientist Ray Kurzweil argues: "We have already replaced all human employment several times."²

Following the Industrial RevolutionA period of sudden, rapid industrialisation that transforms a country from an agricultural to an industrial economy., many formerly hand-made goods were instead created by machines. But countries became richer as different jobs were invented to support the new economy.

Critics point out, once AI technology is used in all parts of the economy, it may be hard to regain control. Criminals might use intelligent machines to perform attacks on businesses and banks. In the worst-case scenario, an intelligent system might decide that humans were a threat.

Recent history has shown that computers can also save lives. The pharmaceutical company Moderna used AI to design their Covid-19 vaccine in record time.³ Medical companies have to follow strict laws to protect people, and most experts agree that similar rules will be needed for AI.

A machine is as good or bad as the people using it. However, the more laws we have to control AI, the better the chance it will improve all our lives.

Should we fear an AI future?

Yes: Intelligent robots will replace people with a cheaper alternative that never stops working. Companies might benefit, but society will surely suffer.

No: Androids can free workers from having to perform dull or dangerous tasks. Instead, they could focus on creative activities and personal relationships, leading to happier lives.

Or... Disruption from technology is inevitable. However, we can use legislationLegislation consists of a law or laws passed by a government. to make sure that intelligent machines are working with, rather than against, humanity.

Barista - A person who makes and serves coffee for a living.

AI - A computer programme that has been designed to think. 

Android - A robot that looks like a human being (in science fiction).

CEO - The Chief Executive Officer is the highest ranking person in a company. They are responsible for making decisions about the company's future.

Industrial Revolution - A period of sudden, rapid industrialisation that transforms a country from an agricultural to an industrial economy.

Legislation - Legislation consists of a law or laws passed by a government.