In today's world, the rapid development of technology is reshaping our way of life. The combination of artificial intelligence, robotics, and data model interaction has not only brought about significant changes in the scientific community but is also gradually demonstrating its influence in everyday life. From groundbreaking advancements in healthcare to the convenience of smart homes, the integration of these technologies heralds a new future. Entering a more intelligent and automated era which offers unprecedented convenience and even presenting unprecedented challenges. This article will explore the current status, potential, and the challenges we must face regarding this trend.
The Application of Artificial Intelligence in the Medical Field
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing in the medical field, particularly in the development of prosthetics and biomimetic materials. Through biomimetic technologies, such as the newly developed hydrogel material by The University of Hong Kong, the performance of prosthetics is gradually approaching that of natural tendons. This material can mimic the structural characteristics of real tendons and is expected to be used for tissue repair and broader biomedical applications. Such advancements are narrowing the gap between prosthetic functionality and natural limb performance, significantly enhancing the quality of life for prosthetic users.
The Development of Smart Homes and Robotic Home Assistants
The development of smart homes and robotic home assistants has become an important indicator of technological progress. Smart home systems integrate technologies such as circuit layout, network communication, and home automation, enhancing the security, comfort, and convenience of households. In China, the smart home market is witnessing exponential growth, with the market size expected to exceed 1.1 trillion yuan by 2027, demonstrating tremendous development potential. Leading companies such as Huawei and Gree, are pioneering innovation in related technologies and products, leading the smart home industry’s future.
Challenges Faced and Difficult Problems to Solve
The ongoing technological revolution presents challenges particularly in data privacy protection, technology accessibility and fairness. The recent Global AI Summit held in the UK and the "Bletchley Park Declaration" underscore the global commitment to address AI-related risks, including cybersecurity, biotechnology, and misinformation. Representatives from 28 countries, including the United States, China, and the European Union, acknowledged the opportunities and challenges brought by artificial intelligence. The summit and the signing of the declaration represent an important step in global efforts to develop and operate artificial intelligence in a safe and responsible manner. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized the need for collective cooperation among nations to counter the significant risks posed by uncontrolled development of artificial intelligence.
The Necessity of Technological Progress
The safety of artificial intelligence depends on the manner in which it is designed, developed, and applied. As demonstrated by recent incidents involving autonomous vehicles, even advanced technologies can carry risks. Cruise recently recalled 950 autonomous taxis based on the Chevy Bolt due to issues with its Autonomous Driving System (ADS) software subsystem leads to an incident involving a pedestrian. In San Francisco, a woman was seriously injured when she fell into the path of a Cruise vehicle after being struck by a hit-and-run driver. The autonomous taxi failed to stop in time when it detected the pedestrian and dragged her for 20 feet while executing its programmed instruction to pull over. This incident led to the California regulatory authority revoking Cruise's permit to operate fully autonomous vehicles in San Francisco. The company subsequently announced a voluntary suspension of unsupervised autonomous driving operations nationwide and committed to addressing the current issues to rebuild trust with regulatory agencies and customers.
In consideration of the unprecedented rate of technological progression, it is imperative for us to cultivate a proactive stance in regulation and standardization of emerging technologies. This includes actively engaging in strategic internal commitment, establishing globally technological standards, adapting legal frameworks, ensuring that the development and emerging of new technologies does not compromise social welfare and respect individual rights.
