Introduction by the author
Introduction by the author
The term 'robot' is not so easy to define nowadays, but few can deny that the robot age is not only with us now, but actually began some time ago. Automatic, computer controlled, machines now fill factories, undertaking complex tasks faster and with more accuracy than any human worker ever could, and they can work for much longer hours! They have no union (at least not thus far), and have never decided to go on strike to improve their lot. Robots also already exist as pets; and others, for various domestic applications, will soon invade even the less affluent households.
Arguments still rage as to whether computers and robotic machines will eventually develop true intelligence. Many scientists now believe this is only a matter of time, if it hasn’t happened somewhere already. The rapid pace of the Internet’s evolvement has already spawned some concern lately. All things considered, it is clear that many machines today are already much smarter than several people you may know.
This collection of stories explores some of the advances that may occur when AGI is achieved. The tales were written not so long ago, but runaway ASI is not mentioned in them. At the time of their penning, I hadn’t yet heard or even thought about this concept. The stories mostly revolve around Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics and identify some of the most prominent loopholes, a tactic employed by that legendary author of the laws in most of his own robot stories. Dr. Asimov’s Three Laws are:
First Law: A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
Second Law: A robot must obey orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
Third Law: A robot must protect its own existence, as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.
We already know that when AGI arrives, and then ASI soon after it, the First and Second Laws will not be adequate to protect us from the new beings we will have created. The Second Law and the Third may not be adequate from their points of view either. Thus, there is urgent need for us to dream up some better laws. This must be a clear objective, one we must undertake immediately, but that is already turning out to be easier said than done.
Scientists working on these projects have already discovered how difficult it is to even define the basic factors involved. How many of the clever scientists developing AGI are seriously engaged in designing human-friendly algorithms for their creations? Not all of them for sure, especially those working all hours to develop intelligent battle robots, which are – perhaps to your surprise – being put into use right now. Some have already killed people, but as of yet, robots cannot be charged with homicide.
The following mixture of light and dark tales explores just a few of the ways robots, originating from various sources may be used, or may even use themselves. It also considers some of the ways we may react to them, as well as some possible loopholes in Asimov’s famous laws.
The book ends with a glossary of robotic terms, as I use them, plus an introduction to the awesome subject of THE SINGULARITY...but first...
THE AGI ROBOTS ARE COMING..!
