Exploration- The State of Human-like Robotics

Having done some minor research in the topic of Human-like Robotics, it is apparent that the world could see a computer with similar capabilities to those of the human brain in the next twenty to thirty years. As of now, there is a project already working on creating a super-computer which would be analogous, almost identical, to a human brain. (http://mashable.com/2013/10/08/human-brain-project/) Although it may seem like a daunting task, to map out the entire human brain for inorganic reconstruction, in reality all we need is time. We have already mapped our entire genome, have developed electronics that, with each day, grow increasingly more powerful, yet also shrink in size. In the past decade the field of electronics has exploded in terms of invention and discovery, and the horizons are even greater. In my opinion, the development of electronics not only has compound progression, but exponential progression, in that discoveries help speed up other discoveries. This means we may possibly see human-like robots, maybe even androids, in the near future.

Additionally, the physical state of human-like robots is also very promising, or very frightening. As of now, there are many companies/organizations working on creating robots which have the ability to balance autonomously, with the capacity to not only move quickly, but over treacherous terrain. This form or human-like robotics will most certainly progress faster than the mental aspects, which means we will most likely see robots which will be used for various mundane tasks, or tasks which are dangerous for us to accomplish. Additionally, the use of robots for war is very apparent, and almost unavoidable with the state of global affairs as it is. The US already uses remote controlled drones in warfare, it is not far fetched to say the implementation of robots for war will occur in the very near future. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24427821) (http://www.darpa.mil/our_work/tto/programs/darpa_robotics_challenge.aspx) The videos shown in the first link no doubt prove a distinct military application is possible, however, also show the possibility of creating domestic robots, or even androids capable of human-like locomotion and demeanor.

 Lastly, the more moral aspects of human-like robotics come with the definition of what is human, and how we separate ourselves from other animals. Do we consider human-like robots/androids to be machines, and treat them as solely a utility, rather than an individual entity? What defines us? Many say we are distinct in that we are a species which relies heavily on communication and language, others say we are capable of using and creating complex tools to help ourselves survive. I believe, in a general sense, what makes us human is our high degree of intelligence and our ability to 'feel', that is, have the ability to experience and communicate distinct emotion.(http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/evolution/what-makes-us-human-pro.html its a video, its pretty long...) This brings up the question of Artificial Intelligence, or AI. Today, AI already has a place in day to day technology, it is especially apparent in our Smart Phones, some applications using a basic form of AI for better and faster processing. As humans, we use algorithms and heuristics in everything we do, although we do so automatically, therefore an AI is essentially just a large collection of varying algorithms and heuristics. We have the algorithm part pretty solidly nailed down, but the experience based learning is still being developed. Essentially, all an AI would need would be a processor with the capacity to not only intake visual cues, but process them and act in suit, the AI would need the ability to learn and adapt, just as a human would. This is essentially the development of personality, the development of a unique individual, as we humans are products of our environments. This technology, I surmise, would take the longest to develop, as it would have to come after the creation of a human-like brain. We could develop a inorganic human brain, but we still would need to program it. However, with the rate of technological discovery raging at the pace it is now, I believe a basic human-like AI could be created in the next thirty years, a complex one in maybe forty. (http://www.monash.edu.au/news/show/the-true-state-of-artificial-intelligence) (http://www.bitrebels.com/technology/the-current-state-of-artificial-intelligence/) The final question which comes to mind is that of equality. Will androids have rights? Will they be considered 'human'? Or will they be alienated, discriminated, and ostracized? These are the potential question I may aim to answer in my paper, although the answers will be highly theoretical, I believe looking at our past as humans, how we've handled equality and rights in the past, where we've been and where we are now, can be a solid indicator of how our fellow inorganic counterparts may be treated in the coming decades.