Does the universe actually exist? We might all be living in one big computer game, scientists say August 6, 2015 We always talk about the robots replacing humans, but what if we actually are robots, with brains that are programmed just like computers to think in a certain way? Read more: Did the big bang happen? Scientists call theory into question Our universe behaves suspiciously similarly to a simulated computer, obeying a series of [...]
Robots are stealing our jobs: Next to go is the fine wine industry August 5, 2015 Wine buffs who pride themselves on understanding the value of the posh plonk are about to be trumped by robots, after scientists at UCL developed an artificial intelligence system capable of predicting the fluctuating prices of fine wines better than any human connoisseur on the planet. Read more: A robot might steal your job, but it [...]
Super-intelligent robots could soon fight our wars, but there’s a risk they’ll try and turn against us July 31, 2015 A swarm of robots approaches the front line, each gearing up its inbuilt guns and explosives as it prepares to launch an attack on the enemy – another, almost identical swarm of robots. But suddenly one of the robots turns on its comrades. It has been offered a better deal by the enemy, so long [...]
Elon Musk, Stephen Hawking and Steve Wozniak call for ban on killer robots warning “the stakes are high” July 28, 2015 As far as we're aware, the Terminator was never brought to a halt by a petition. But that hasn't stopped more than 1,000 high profile artificial intelligence experts attempting pretty much that. Tesla’s Elon Musk, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, Google DeepMind chief executive Demis Hassabis and professor Stephen Hawking are among those to have [...]
A robot might steal your job, but it can never take your humanity July 26, 2015 The benefits of using robots in the workplace are abundantly clear. Companies with a robot workforce would be able to operate 24/7 without paying staff, would have an attendance rate of 100 per cent, and would have access to pre-programmed employees who would never make mistakes – and all for a one-off payment. No more [...]
Interview with a robot: Life, love and everything as seen by a sentient machine June 30, 2015 Do androids dream of electric sheep? Actually, they are far more concerned with their own mortality. That’s how it is with Bina48, at least. She's a humanoid robot and, just like us humans, she suffers from the occasional nightmare. One, where she is back in her box having been disassembled and used to build other [...]
The second machine age is coming, and it’ll be bigger than the industrial revolution, says AI boss June 26, 2015 Before the industrial revolution, work was a very different experience for most humans. We were on our feet, working in the fields and interacting with people rather than technology – a world away from the desk-based computer jobs we have now. Read more: Darpa invents technology to let humans see beyond reality And once [...]
Facebook’s new photo-sharing app Moments uses artificial intelligence to recognise your face June 15, 2015 Sociable smartphone users looking to share photos with friends but somehow not satisfied with Facebook, WhatsApp, Snapchat or Instagram may have finally found the app they've been waiting for. Facebook Moments is the social media company's latest app which allows users to create shared photo albums stored in the cloud for free. Unlike existing apps, Moments [...]
Ocado’s making robots that will help in the workplace June 10, 2015 The online grocery company Ocado is getting into the robot business as work begins today on developing technology which will become humanoid helpers to workers. The company will work with leading researchers across Europe to combine artificial intelligence, machine learning and advanced vision technologies to create robot support worker which can lend a helping hand. [...]
Grey swans turning white and artificial intelligence: These are the five best bits from Sir Martin Sorrell’s update June 9, 2015 Ahead of WPP's AGM today – in which Sir Martin Sorrell's pay packet was contested, but not thrown out – the advertising giant released its annual statement. As with previous years it was packed full with words of wisdom from Sorrell, looking at macro, political and social pressures as well as what was happening [...]