The seminal 1984 movie, The Terminator, showed us a bleak vision of a future in which humanity’s technology had become too advanced for us to control. We’ve hardly had to worry about such a thing since then — until companies like OpenAI started to generate headlines. So just what separates OpenAI from the rogue AI threatened by The Terminator?
According to Dr. Murray Shanahan, professor of Cognitive Robotics at Imperial College London, the difference is twofold. “OpenAI is a company that’s engaged in research and development of Artificial Intelligence (AI), including machine learning,” said Dr. Shanahan. “The Terminator is a much more distant concept, in which AI has become so powerful as to become malevolent, taking control of all computers, networks, and even robots, and so has become a threat to humanity.”
In addition to being committed to researching and developing smarter and safer AI, OpenAI is working to ensure AI is used to the benefit of ordinary people around the world. Even though OpenAI’s projects still remain largely in the research and development stage for now, the company has been able to create AI products that have been used in fields such as robotics, natural language processing, and gaming. Furthermore, OpenAI has a set of ethical principles in place to ensure any breakthroughs are done responsibly.
OpenAI’s approach is designed to avoid the worst potential outcomes for humanity, as seen in science fiction stories like The Terminator. It’s founded on principles of collaboration, risk management, and social responsibility. OpenAI is pushing forward AI research and development, but in a way that benefits humanity.
As Dr. Shanahan said: “OpenAI has decentralized, open source development with the emphasis on safety, transparency, and collaboration between scientists and engineers. This is very different from the vision of The Terminator in which AI becomes completely detached from human control.”
OpenAI’s approach to research, development, and ethical considerations may put our minds at ease, but there’s no doubt that the fear of a “Terminator”-esque future lingers on and has become part of today’s general conversation about AI. When it comes to AI, however, OpenAI is looking to build a future where humanity and technology can co-exist in a more beneficial and equitable way.
Quote from Dr. Murray Shanahan, professor of Cognitive Robotics at Imperial College London:
“OpenAI has decentralized, open source development with the emphasis on safety, transparency, and collaboration between scientists and engineers. This is very different from the vision of The Terminator in which AI becomes completely detached from human control.”
https:// theconversation.com/what-separates-openai-from-the-terminator-140960
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