Lifeboat Foundation

The odds that artificial intelligence will enslave or eliminate humankind within the next decade or so are thankfully slim. So concludes a major report from Stanford University on the social and economic implications of artificial intelligence.

At the same time, however, the report concludes that AI looks certain to upend huge aspects of everyday life, from employment and education to transportation and entertainment. More than 20 leaders in the fields of AI, computer science, and robotics coauthored the report. The analysis is significant because the public alarm over the impact of AI threatens to shape public policy and corporate decisions.

It predicts that automated trucks, flying vehicles, and personal robots will be commonplace by 2030, but cautions that remaining technical obstacles will limit such technologies to certain niches. It also warns that the social and ethical implications of advances in AI, such as the potential for unemployment in certain areas and likely erosions of privacy driven by new forms of surveillance and data mining, will need to be open to discussion and debate.

Continue reading “Artificial intelligence wants to be your bro, not your foe” »

The newest Uber driver in Pittsburgh isn’t a person — but a Volvo Cars XC90. http://cnnmon.ie/2cbIx3f

Singapore residents can now ride in a self-driving taxi. http://cnnmon.ie/2bS9lYj

This car drives sideways — could it solve your parallel parking woes? http://cnnmon.ie/2bRByMg

Motobot — motorcycle riding humanoid robot

Look closely.

That’s not a human riding this motorcycle. http://cnnmon.ie/2bzSrh1

Lincoln’s Navigator concept car is loaded with high-tech features that we’ll likely see in future models.

The California DMV has just given Baidu its Autonomous Vehicle Testing Permit, clearing it to test its self-driving tech in California streets.

Google has been one of the first and one of the most senior in the companies developing autonomous driving technology. But “another Google” is looking to catch up in the field.

Continue reading “Baidu Can Now Test Its Self-Driving Cars In California” »

Painful.

Stricter standards could wipe out as many as 90% of the industry’s 200-plus fledgling manufacturers.