Rise of the machines

Imagine visiting your favourite cafe one morning. Freshly baked pastries are laid out on display and the rich smell of coffee fills the air. However, when you reach the counter to make an order, the barista has been replaced by a shining metal robot.

Sounds like a scene from science fiction? Well, 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 and will soon begin working in a car factory.

Figure made the news last week after it raised £534m from some of the world's biggest tech companies - including Amazon, Microsoft and NvidiaAn American technology company known for its supply of AI hardware and software. . According to Figure's 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 company's website promises that their robots will perform tasks too dangerous for humans, such as working in mines or on building sites. However, some investors think the android will eventually take over the majority of human jobs - in shops and restaurants, hospitals and airports.

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 us closer to a moment when machines replace humans completely.

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

For example, following the Industrial RevolutionA period of sudden, rapid industrialisation that transforms a country from an agricultural to an industrial economy., many previously 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 that there is no guarantee AI will improve life for everyone. However, once the technology is used in all parts of the economy, it may be hard to regain control. In the worst-case scenario, an AI system might decide that humans were a threat.

Amy Webb, the American futuristA person who specialises in making predictions about the future based on current trends.  and author argues that "AI doesn't have to kill us in order to make life really, really difficult".³ What if criminals used intelligent machines to perform attacks on businesses and banks?

Science fiction contains many warnings of the risks of AI-like technology. However, recent history has shown us that computers can also save lives. For instance, the pharmaceutical company Moderna used AI to design their Covid-19 vaccine in record time.⁴

Medicine is another human invention that has the power to help or to harm. Strict legislation makes sure that people are protected, and most experts agree that similar rules will be needed for AI.

Technology has no moral compass. 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 legislation to make sure that intelligent machines are working with, rather than against, humanity.