We have currently only achieved narrow AI. As machine learning capabilities continue to evolve, and scientists get closer to achieving general AI, theories and speculations regarding the future of AI are circulating. There are two main theories.
One theory is based on fear of a dystopian future, where super intelligent killer robots take over the world, either wiping out the human race or enslaving all of humanity, as depicted in many science fiction narratives.
The other theory predicts a more optimistic future, where humans and bots work together, humans using artificial intelligence as a tool to enhance their life experience.
Artificial intelligence tools are already having a significant impact on the way we conduct business worldwide, completing tasks with a speed and efficiency that wouldn’t be possible for humans. However, human emotion and creativity is something incredibly special and unique, extremely difficult - if not impossible - to replicate in a machine. Codebots is backing a future where humans and bots work together for the win.
In this article, we discuss the 3 types of AI in depth, and theories on the future of AI. Let’s start by clearly defining artificial intelligence.
What are the 3 types of AI?
- Artificial narrow intelligence (ANI), which has a narrow range of abilities;
- Artificial general intelligence (AGI), which is on par with human capabilities; or
- Artificial superintelligence (ASI), which is more capable than a human
Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI) / Weak AI / Narrow AI
Artificial narrow intelligence (ANI), also referred to as weak AI or narrow AI, is the only type of artificial intelligence we have successfully realized to date. Narrow AI is goal-oriented, designed to perform singular tasks - i.e. facial recognition, speech recognition/voice assistants, driving a car, or searching the internet - and is very intelligent at completing the specific task it is programmed to do.
While these machines may seem intelligent, they operate under a narrow set of constraints and limitations, which is why this type is commonly referred to as weak AI. Narrow AI doesn’t mimic or replicate human intelligence, it merely simulates human behaviour based on a narrow range of parameters and contexts.
Consider the speech and language recognition of the Siri virtual assistant on iPhones, vision recognition of self-driving cars, and recommendation engines that suggest products you make like based on your purchase history. These systems can only learn or be taught to complete specific tasks.
Narrow AI has experienced numerous breakthroughs in the last decade, powered by achievements in machine learning and deep learning. For example, AI systems today are used in medicine to diagnose cancer and other diseases with extreme accuracy through replication of human-esque cognition and reasoning.
Narrow AI’s machine intelligence comes from the use of natural language processing (NLP) to perform tasks. NLP is evident in chatbots and similar AI technologies. By understanding speech and text in natural language, AI is programmed to interact with humans in a natural, personalised manner.
Narrow AI can either be reactive, or have a limited memory. Reactive AI is incredibly basic; it has no memory or data storage capabilities, emulating the human mind’s ability to respond to different kinds of stimuli without prior experience. Limited memory AI is more advanced, equipped with data storage and learning capabilities that enable machines to use historical data to inform decisions.
Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) / Strong AI / Deep AI
Artificial general intelligence (AGI), also referred to as strong AI or deep AI, is the concept of a machine with general intelligence that mimics human intelligence and/or behaviours, with the ability to learn and apply its intelligence to solve any problem. AGI can think, understand, and act in a way that is indistinguishable from that of a human in any given situation.
AI researchers and scientists have not yet achieved strong AI. To succeed, they would need to find a way to make machines conscious, programming a full set of cognitive abilities. Machines would have to take experiential learning to the next level, not just improving efficiency on singular tasks, but gaining the ability to apply experiential knowledge to a wider range of different problems.
Strong AI uses a theory of mind AI framework, which refers to the ability to discern needs, emotions, beliefs and thought processes of other intelligent entitles. Theory of mind level AI is not about replication or simulation, it’s about training machines to truly understand humans.
Fujitsu-built K, one of the fastest supercomputers, is one of the most notable attempts at achieving strong AI, but considering it took 40 minutes to simulate a single second of neural activity, it is difficult to determine whether or not strong AI will be achieved in our foreseeable future. As image and facial recognition technology advances, it is likely we will see an improvement in the ability of machines to learn and see.
Artificial Superintelligence (ASI)
Artificial super intelligence (ASI), is the hypothetical AI that doesn’t just mimic or understand human intelligence and behaviour; ASI is where machines become self-aware and surpass the capacity of human intelligence and ability.
Superintelligence has long been the muse of dystopian science fiction in which robots overrun, overthrow, and/or enslave humanity. The concept of artificial superintelligence sees AI evolve to be so akin to human emotions and experiences, that it doesn’t just understand them, it evokes emotions, needs, beliefs and desires of its own.
In addition to replicating the multi-faceted intelligence of human beings, ASI would theoretically be exceedingly better at everything we do; math, science, sports, art, medicine, hobbies, emotional relationships, everything. ASI would have a greater memory and a faster ability to process and analyse data and stimuli. Consequently, the decision-making and problem solving capabilities of super intelligent beings would be far superior than those of human beings.
The potential of having such powerful machines at our disposal may seem appealing, but the concept itself has a multitude of unknown consequences. If self-aware super intelligent beings came to be, they would be capable of ideas like self-preservation. The impact this will have on humanity, our survival, and our way of life, is pure speculation.
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