How to Become Super Human — Augmented Intelligence
“I know Kung Fu.” -Neo, The Matrix
In 1999, I thought the Matrix’s depiction of ‘learning’ was surreal. Today, machines are enhancing our intelligence in ways that make this future seem inevitable.
As Neo was jacked into the computer of the Nebuchadnezzar, their ship, and a crew member, Tank, clicked ‘upload’. The combat training skills then moved from a disk to Neo’s mind in seconds. When Neo opened his eyes — he knew ‘Kung Fu’.
Can we download knowledge into our brains today? No. The technology that exists (e.g. HRL Laboratory) today is still in it’s infancy, but the trend is clear — we are using technology to ‘augment’ our capabilities and intelligence.
Image: HRL Laboratories flight simulation
‘Artificial Intelligence’, the capability of machines to perform functions performed by humans, is the current popular topic, but the real game changer is ‘Augmented intelligence’ -”artificial intelligence… designed to enhance human intelligence rather than replace it.”
The rise of augmented intelligence has always been present with the invention of new devices from cars to laptops. Most recently several trends have made the relationship between humans and technology more cohesive; primarily the improvement of human machine interfaces, the proliferation of wearables, and acceleration of computing power. What once was a periodic interaction with digital devices has become continuous.
Image: Design In Tech Report 2016, slide 3, modified for today
How many times have you used your phone for directions to a destination you have been to dozens of times?
That is just one example of you off loading your cognitive ability to computers — and this practice is only accelerating. As we integrate and utilize various technologies, such as smart watches, AR glasses, and brain-computer interfaces into our daily habits, we will transition gradually to a symbiotic existence. Some have even integrating sensors and chips into their hands to open doors and use as a payment mechanism as an extreme example of the trend, a practice known as “biohacking”.
Image: Presentation from Facebook on AR/VR technology
While there are concerns of safety and dependence — like the man who became addicted to his Google Glasses, there are results of unmatched performance. Sean Gourley shares in his Ted Talk on augmented intelligence, that humans working in tandem with computers actually out performed the ‘only computer’ and ‘only human’ teams in a world chess tournament.
Chess is just the start. Augmented intelligence is enhancing our knowledge and our senses and will move us to become more ‘super human’. Are you ready?
Sergio Marrero, Co-Founder & CEO, Caila
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