Social Implications of IT - Essay Example

Social Implications of IT Humans depend on nature, since it is their source of inspiration for developing knowledge and emotions. Nature also provides solutions to several of the problems that beset humans. Manufacturing robots that behave exactly like humans is the greatest challenge of all time. Scientific research is concentrated on making robots imitating human physics and behaviour. In order to create human like robots, human like systems have to be undertaken in robotics. However, perception – based robotic control based on computational theory is recognised as an immature operation1. In the year 1923, the Capek Brothers first used the term robot in a play named Rossum’s Universal Robots or RUR. The word robot was derived from the Czech word robota, which means forced labour. In 1942, Isaac Asimov, the renowned science fiction writer, employed the word robotics in his science fiction story the Runabout. Since then, robotics has become a branch of science, and it has revolutionised the technology behind robots in a number of ways. The rapid growth of robotics and the development of robots based on it had brought about some fears among the people. Science fiction movies and novels served to generate creativity in the field of robotics. The law of robotics regulates the creation of robots and provides some safety measures. The works of Isaac Asimov had inspired the creation of the law of robotics. The concept of positronic brained robots was introduced by Asimov in his stories such as Robbie and Reason. These two stories have also described the restrictions to be imposed on the behaviour of robots2. The concept of artificial intelligence has historic evidence. The ancient Egyptians had documented ideas that almost match the principles of artificial intelligence. In a Dartmouth Conference in 1956, researchers in computer science and cognitive science introduced the term artificial intelligence. The Dartmouth Conference was the first ever meeting of scientists in pursuit of making machines that could think. In the same year, there was another meeting of scientists termed the Symposium on Information Theory, which was organised by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This conference developed the principles, which constitute the foundations of artificial intelligence and cognitive science. These two conferences attempted to find out the similarities and to compare human thinking and the computer’s processes. According to Thomas Leahey, author of the book A History of Modern Psychology, the developments in the 1950’s had provided an analogy between human beings and computers; and engendered the thinking that people were general purpose computing devices. People had hardware provided by nature and their experiences operated as programmes. However, people had social networks. If humans are considered as thinking machines, it may be possible to consider robots as human beings. This is because computers and robots exhibit humanlike qualities, such as response to experiences and depict thinking processes of their own3. The day is not far off, when robots will play a prominent role in the life of humans. Sophistication of the science of robotics, combined with widespread research to incorporate artificial intelligence into robots will render what is at present science fiction into the reality of the future. Humans and robots will have to get along with each other, and already the world dreams about the robots of the future. Several researchers are deeply engrossed with developing robotics. Moreover, a number of plans are being drawn up, so as to make the optimal use of the future robots; and entertainers are dreaming about how they can utilize robots to enhance the overall experience of their clientèle4. The present research is aimed at realising these dreams. However, the social aspect of robotics and the technology behind robots, have to be seriously reviewed. The social aspects to be investigated are not restricted to comfort, physical needs and economic benefits. The very concept of society is based on companionship and humans need some sort of companionship. Being social animals, humans are always in search of good companions5. Previously, robots could not reproduce other robots and they were limited to just one generation. They would become extinct when their effectiveness and capacity to function ceased. However, the advancement of science and technology has made it possible to make robots that can think and follow the programming techniques. This race of robots can construct new robots or duplicate their own versions. Thus the creation of artificially intelligent robots is not far away, which would have the capacity to replicate themselves. Artificial intelligence is always inferior to the natural intelligence of humans. In the 1950’s research into creating artificial intelligence began. This research was mainly aimed at creating robots that could think and operate in a manner that was similar to humans. Programmes were developed to embed evolutionary algorithms into robots. Thus robots with these embedded programmes can respond to and memorise experiences, which would enable them to subsequently, develop new behavioural patterns based on the knowledge obtained from previous experiences. The Darwinian theory of natural selection does not apply to robots, although they can produce new robots. At this juncture, it is highly questionable with regard to the status of such robots, which exhibit the same qualities as the natural world. There are ethical and moral controversies that surround the creation of intelligent robots6. Robots are used in the assembly of mass production industries, and they are embedded with special programmes. Since robots are capable of assembling and making objects in heavy industries, it is also possible for them to create a duplicate version of themselves in the near future. Robots will then be able to make other robots. A research team had conducted a study called An Autonomous Self – Replicating Robotic System in 2003 at the John Hopkins University. They developed the prototype of such self – replicating robots, by using Lego blocks and complex electronic circuits. This robot was capable of making several duplicate versions of itself7. Mankind, for the first time in its history, is embarking on the task of duplicating a thing that is possessed of individuality and intelligence. In this endeavour, an in depth evaluation of factors like assessment, independence, knowledge, taking decisions and sentiments is to be conducted. From quite some time, the concept of the relation between independent machines and mankind had been discussed in various genres like folklore. During modern times these issues have been discussed by moralists and scientists. Machines, as such are considered to be of assistance to humans8. The general theme of science fiction stories, which involve robots, is distrust towards them. In those stories robots have been depicted as being inimical towards mankind. It is generally perceived that robots could pose a serious threat to humanity. This universal mistrust about robots could be due to the reason that they differ from humans, but can think like humans. Another reason for the opposition towards robots could be the fear that they would increase unemployment and takeover the jobs, which are currently being performed by humans. The US Robots and Mechanical Men is trying to eliminate these fears about robots. It is also endeavouring to inform the public that robots are of great use for performing certain tasks, which man cannot perform physically. In addition, it is attempting to establish that robots are not harmful to humanity. Governments have enacted legislation to restrict the use of robots for operations on the Earth only that too in certain accepted circumstances.The employees of the companies that manufacture robots feel that they are very useful. Moreover, robots are almost indispensable in deep space exploration and astronomical research. In some science fiction stories, robots had worked alongside humans and had been given names, which had served to make them friendly with the people in those stories9. At present, humans explore areas on Earth, in extremely dangerous environments. They work at the bottom of the oceans, near active volcanoes and places of extreme temperatures such as the Antarctica and the Sahara desert. While unearthing fossils, humans have to traverse long distances over irregular terrain. Some excavations require the climbing of steep cliffs or hills. Moreover, this work necessitates skill, such as precise digging and extremely careful work like opening shale to reveal the fossil. Sometimes fossils are packed by rocks and opening these rocks without causing damage to the fossil requires care and patience. This was shown by the robotic rovers Spirit and Opportunity on the terrain of Mars. Some cosmologists like Carl Sagan had suggested that there were places in the universe where it was impossible for humans to survive and perform scientific research, for instance in deep space. In such inhospitable places, robots can replace humans in such research and exploration, because they can survive almost anywhere10. Robots are used all types of places and environments. They do not require healthy environments, nor do they require any specific duty hours. In addition, they can work in conditions that are dangerous for human beings. This characteristic of robots helps workers to concentrate on tasks requiring greater skill such as writing programmes for robots, their maintenance and operation. A robot should be a device; and it must have three or more axes of motion and an end effector that is to function as a tool11. A robot must be reprogrammed to carry out several different works. In heavy industries such as the automobile industry, robots work in assembly lines and perform tasks like welding and assembling automobile parts. They are also used for lifting heavy objects. All the tasks that are harmful to human beings or that pose the risk of injury are done by robots. These machines are programmed to work in dangerous environments; such as excessive heat, noise or fumes. Robots are also used for works that are hazardous for human beings. They can be used in packaging industries, where human workers are susceptible to carpel tunnel injuries12. In the computer chip making industry, robots perform high precision work without causing any damage. Even human beings may find it difficult to work on such complex and skill oriented jobs. As such, humans, unlike robots cannot perform some tasks that demand very high levels of precision. Robots are also used in healthcare fields. Drug manufacturing companies employ robots to pack bulk drugs. These robots assist medical professionals during critical surgeries, and they are employed in hip replacement surgeries, in some hospitals. Robots work with much greater precision than humans and the quality of their work is also much higher. Furthermore, utilizing robots reduces the cost of production13. Consumers desire high quality goods, hence, robots are used to produce such high quality goods. This results in higher sales; accordingly, most of the large companies employ robots in precision work, to ensure the high quality of their products. In the competitive market, companies have to maintain the high quality of their goods to remain in the business and prosper. Robots not only improve the quality of goods but also improve productivity. These factors lead to the economic growth of the nation14. In the past there had been the industrial revolution, due to which several nations experienced rapid economic growth. However, the supply of goods was insufficient to meet the growing demand for them. This actuated the companies to attempt to increase productivity. However, they were unable to do so, even after engaging more employees. At that juncture, there were attempts to find alternative methods to increase productivity, by adopting sophisticated technology and reforming the production processes. For instance, Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin in 1794, which was used by companies to produce clothes. Nevertheless, these companies wanted to increase productivity. Consequently, Whitney discovered the principle of interchangeable parts for mass production. This new concept was widely used by the companies in a wide range of industries, and production increased, with a concomitant increase in employment15. There were several inventions to increase productivity and quality. John Deere invented the cast steel ploughshare blade, which increased agricultural productivity. In 1880, Edison invented the electric bulb; and in 1906, the airplane became a reality, due to the efforts of the Wright Brothers. Further, inventions such as assembly lines, television and plastics were made in the subsequent years. In 1961, General Motors Corporation employed the first industrial robot, which had been developed by Joseph Engelberger; for loading and unloading machines. This robot worked under dry and dirty conditions that were definitely hazardous for human beings. At present, technology has become much more sophisticated; and there are adequate resources for manufacturing robots that can be used in any type of industry. As such, the cost of production is significantly, reduced by utilizing robots16. Robots of the future will be more sophisticated and capable of doing more complex jobs. They will not be restricted to industrial use, and will be used in the day to day activities of the people. There are robots that guide the blind on the streets, to help the old and incapacitated. These modular devices which have pre – embedded software can perform a wide range of domestic activities, like operating lawn mowers, vacuum cleaners, dish washers and window washers. Scientists are all set to create nano robots that can travel through the blood vessels of the people and repair damaged tissues or organs in the body. Such robots can also deliver life saving medicines in a systematic manner within the body17. In the fields of education and entertainment, robots play a very important role. Robots can also be used in detecting and reducing crime, and they constitute the best surveillance agents. Robots are used in bomb disposal, which is very hazardous for humans. Moreover, robots are utilized in hostage recovery and rescue operations, by the police. In general, people underestimate the value of industrial robots; which are very important for increasing productivity and ensuring the quality of manufactured goods. Improvising robotics will provide more intelligent vehicles, in terms of performance and fuel conservation. In addition, consumer products and health measures would be greatly benefitted by robotic technology, in the future18. Robots occupy a major place in the present society, and they are integrated with public life. The use of robots is increasing to a great extent. The mechanical advancement of robotics has already reached a very high level. Scientists, at present, are seized with developing software controlled robots19. There are several areas where humans, while working, could be exposed to risk; as such, these areas are ideal for employing robots. Nevertheless, unlike humans, their intelligence is artificial and devoid of emotions. Robots cannot deal with situations that it has not been programmed to deal with. If robots are utilized for each and every task, irrespective of its triviality, then man will have no work and could degenerate, both mentally as well as physically. Furthermore, the use of robots in childcare and the care of the aged, is fraught with difficulties, because these robots are incapable of harbouring emotions; and a certain amount of emotional involvement is essential in such care. In addition, if all the jobs are performed by robots, then there would be a steep rise in unemployment. This would make it very difficult if not impossible, for the distribution of wealth amongst the members of society. The result could be economical imbalances, which could lead to anarchy and a breakdown of the social mores. Therefore, it is advisable to employ robots, only where their use is indispensable, for instance in extremely hostile climes. List of references BBC. 03 November 2000. Robots v Humans. Accessed11 May 2008 http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A455898 Brian Huse. How Robots Will Affect Future Generations. Accessed 12 May 2008 http://www.roboticsonline.com/public/articles/details.cfm?id=600 Introduction to robots and android humanoids. Accessed 12 May 2008 http://links999.net/robotics/robots/robots_introduction.html Mark Whittington. 18 August 2006. Robots v Astronauts: The Continuing Controversy on How to Explore Space. Accessed 11 May 2008 http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/52002/robots_vs_astronauts_the_continuing.html?page=3&cat=15 Masoud Ghaffari and Ernest L. Hall. Robotics and nature, from primitive creatures to human intelligence. Accessed 10 May 2008. http://www.robotics.uc.edu/papers/paper2004/Robotics%20and%20nature.pdf Patrick Lindsey. Robots and Ethics. Accessed 11 May 2008 http://www.engin.swarthmore.edu/~plindse1/robot_paper.html Rafael Capurro, et al. Ethics in Robotics. December 2006. Accessed on May 11, 2008 http://www.i-r-i-e.net/inhalt/006/006_full.pdf Read More