What is the future of AI?

Artificial Intelligence, defined by Professor John Mcarthy, as “The science and engineering of making intelligent machines, especially intelligent computer programs.” Most people know AI as the robots and computers that become aware and take over the world, mostly from movies and video games such as Blade Runner, the Matrix, and Terminator. Most people fear the future of AI and it's because of movies like these. But what actually is the future of AI, and could the things that happen in movies actually happen?

One thing people are most afraid of is AI taking our jobs, especially in fast-food restaurants, since it's a very important first job for teenagers or kids in college. What people are worried about is big companies like McDonald's will save money by cutting their entire workforce and replacing it with AI and machines like the electronic kiosks. Contrary to this belief, it is actually not the case. Mcdonald's would actually lose money trying to replace its entire workforce as well as the fact

that it would be a horrible PR move considering they're putting thousands, mostly kids, out of work. While Mcdonalds’ sales are slowly on the rise, their guest counts have fallen, they have already fallen 13% over the last 7-8 years. McDonald's wouldn't be focusing on replacing workers to save money, but instead use AI to help optimize and make stores more efficient for the workers, for better guest satisfaction, which would increase sales.

Another thing people are worried about comes right out of the movies; cybernetics. Cybernetics are robotic enhancements meant to combine and control systems in both humans and robots. There is a lot of discussion behind whether they are ethical or not, but most people don't actually realize that we have already started using implants for the “enhancement” of biological systems. For example, cochlear implants are used to help people hear. Granted this isn't the same as a camera eye or a chip in the brain, it's the beginning.

Cybernetic technology is advancing, so instead of asking will it happen, people should question whether or not is right for people to be able to use cybernetics as a “cosmetic” for physical advances that aren't really necessary, or if they should be restricted to people who could use them as a cure to something. Knowing how to prepare for a society where people might question whether people are “people” or “machine” may not be possible. Instead proposing ethical questions that support or defy specific developments in AI, might help guide governments and people into an era where AI won't take over the world.