IN SPOTLIGHT
Four scenarios on the future of AI in the workplace
AI’s rapid rise in the workplace is opening up new possibilities—some optimistic, others unsettling. We explore how AI could alter job roles, workplace dynamics, and society at large through four different scenarios.
Will Humans Merge with Machines?
Elon Musk, Tesla Motors and Space X visionary, said that humans must become cyborgs if they are to continue to add value to the economy and stay relevant in a world of increasingly powerful AI. However, many people still flinch at the idea of a world of cybernetic organisms, where humans enhance their abilities by integrating artificial material or technology into their bodies.
Another Breakthrough for AI
AI won the most complex strategy game known to humankind. After defeating the brilliant Lee Sedol with a 4-1 win last year, DeepMind’s AlphaGo, which is part of Alphabet (Google), continued to make improvements to its AI, culminating in a 3-0 win over the game's number 1 player and 19-year-old prodigy, Ke Jie. The question is: what is AlphaGo next move?
Pirates at The Sea of Data
Despite the fact that Ransomware has been around for some time, software giants like Microsoft keep releasing updates and software that include vulnerabilities. Customers are helpless because they cannot see the software code to see if the products they buy are faulty. Should not companies that let the thieves in, be held responsible?
All Cars Electric
There is surprisingly little information and debate on how to electrify our roads. If all cars become electric, how much electricity will be needed, how is it produced and distributed?
To Bee Or Not To Bee
Mass death of bees has led to loss of productivity in farmed crops as they do not pollinate the way they used to. To bee or not to bee is ecologically a larger question than this. Recent studies show that a chemical cocktail from farming including pesticides and insecticides has spread to wild flora as well. It is possible that future farming will have to become organic to continue.
Internet of Hacked Things
In 2016 a massive cyber attack was carried out by code that was stored in compromised Internet connected devices such as security cameras. As The Internet of Things expands to our homes, the likelihood of our devices being hacked is a real concern. Every connected home will need a sturdy firewall, but how many will think about it when buying a WiFi coffee machine?
Glaciers Melting Rapidly
A large ice berg twice the size of Wales is expected to break off from the Antarctica. Ice Bergs calve off from glaciers occasionally. The concern is whether this one to break off from Larsen C Ice Shelf will mean that the glacier will start to retreat. Rising sea levels may be a reality sooner than predicted due to record warm years. Rapidly melting Greenland ice suggests a point of no return.
Biodegradable Electronics
Stanford University researchers have developed a semiconductor that is flexible and biodegradable. Made of cellulose and non toxic materials, this invention could be a solution to electronic waste.
Code Shapes Our Speech
Icelandic linguists are concerned of the future of their language, as the software behind Internet of Things and smartphone apps are likely not to speak Icelandic. If households speak English to their fridges and mobiles, will smaller language groups survive in the long run?
Blockchain Revolution
The Blockchain is the technology behind cryptocurrency Bitcoin. It is one of the most discussed emerging technologies by the financial sector and seen as the next technological revolution by social and cultural visionaries. But is it hype, or a real technological change in progress?
Electric Semi-Trucks
Nikola Motor Company has revealed their Semi Truck runs on hydrogen and electricity. Tesla will reveal their electric-only version in September. While electric goods transport is easier to realise for short-range distances, manufacturers face the challenge of organising recharge or refuel stations on long-distance routes. How ecological will electric semi-trucks be, if the infrastructure they require is massive?
May the Goo Be with You
A UK-based company D30 has developed a gel with amazing shock-absorbing abilities. The gel reacts to impacts by turning from soft and flexible material to hard protective armour. The technology is already utilised in several industries from sports to defence to help people avoid severe injuries.