[NetEase Smart News, August 19] The idea of robots plotting against humanity—whether to kill us, enslave us, or, at best, take our jobs—is a recurring theme in both classic sci-fi and modern pop culture. From Isaac Asimov's writings 80 years ago to the current Dilbert comic strips, the relationship between humans and robots has always been a subject of fascination—and concern.
There's even a term for the irrational anxiety surrounding robots: "robot phobia." It reflects the unease many people feel toward these increasingly sophisticated machines. Beyond the apocalyptic scenarios depicted in movies like The Terminator, there are other legitimate worries.
Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, once joked that robots might turn us into their pets. Meanwhile, renowned physicist Stephen Hawking and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk have voiced serious concerns about the potential risks of advanced artificial intelligence. They worry that as robots become more intelligent, their self-awareness could lead to unintended consequences, much like the fictional Westworld series suggests.
Hawking told the BBC back in 2014, "The development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race." Predictions about when this threat might materialize vary widely among researchers.
In terms of real-world incidents, fatalities caused by robots remain relatively rare in industrial settings. However, a tragic incident occurred in July 2015 when a 57-year-old technician was fatally crushed by a malfunctioning robot at an auto parts factory in Ionia, Michigan. Her husband later filed a lawsuit, alleging that the robot had acted unpredictably, leading to her untimely death.
Professor Howie Choset of Carnegie Mellon University, who works on robotic solutions for U.S. manufacturing, acknowledges the public's fears but emphasizes the positive impact of automation. "We need to focus on how automation creates new jobs through innovation," he argues. "It's not just about replacing workers but creating entirely new industries."
Comparing today's fears of robots to the apprehensions surrounding steam engines in the 19th century, Choset sees robots as tools of the future. Even popular media reflects this tension. In a humorous music video featuring actress Laura Linney and singer Aimee Mann, the dangers of over-reliance on robots are playfully highlighted.
Recent Dilbert strips also capture this anxiety. One episode humorously depicts a boss struggling to convince a robot employee not to quit.
For Chris Boggs, 18, watching the 2004 film My Robot sparked initial fears of rogue machines. Yet, through his involvement in the Butler Tech Robotics Project at Colerain High School near Cincinnati, he has developed a deeper appreciation for robotics.
"I fell in love with it the first day I walked in," he recalls. "This is where I belong. I love everything about technology and robots."
Reflecting on the potential dangers of AI-driven robots, Boggs quips, "If they ever become a threat, maybe I'll just try to befriend them."
[English Source: JournalStar]
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