BEIJING, Dec. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In 1949, pioneering computer scientist Edmund Callis Berkeley envisioned a future filled with thinking machines in his book Giant Brains, or Machines That Think. Decades later, his vision has become a reality with artificial intelligence (AI) reshaping industries, societies, and daily lives.

The progress, however, is far from straightforward. While AI excites people with its potential, it also raises questions about ethics, safety, and its impact on human life.

Recently, Science and Technology Daily hosted a panel discussion, “Tech with Heart, AI for Good,” exploring how AI empowers life and bridges human limitations, emphasizing the need for guardrails to ensure it remains under control.

AI’s Expanding Role in Society

AI is reshaping the way we live, work, and interact with the world. For Zeng Yi, a professor at the Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and an expert on the United Nations’ high-level advisory body on AI, the motive to advance AI technology lies in its potential to free humans from repetitive and labor-intensive tasks.

“Combining AI with robotics allows us to redirect human energy toward more creative and meaningful pursuits,” Zeng said. He highlighted how AI-powered robots are stepping into hazardous fields such as firefighting, disaster relief, and space exploration. Lunar rovers equipped with advanced AI capabilities are conducting complex analyses on the moon’s surface — tasks too risky for human scientists.

Beyond industrial applications, AI is making a significant impact on environmental conservation, such as tracking wildlife.

The Intersection of AI and Daily Life

AI’s potential extends into our everyday lives as well. Gao Shaolin, an expert at Peking University Law and Artificial Intelligence Research Center, mentioned a recent road trip during which he drove 3,000 kilometers on highways without encountering a single traffic accident.

“This is extraordinary,” Gao said, attributing the improvement to advancements in AI-driven safety features in modern vehicles.

From fatigue-monitoring systems in trucks to self-driving technologies in electric cars, these innovations are drastically reducing the likelihood of accidents.

However, both Zeng and Gao agreed that AI should not aim to replace humans but rather enhance human expertise and efficiency, leaving room for creativity and innovation.

The Importance of Responsible AI

As AI continues to evolve, responsibility becomes a critical issue. Zeng quoted Berkeley, stating, “It is often easier for scientists to create a device than to guide it well afterward.” Berkeley urged innovators to think beyond breakthroughs and address potential risks.

The question of accountability becomes central. Who will be responsible for any problems caused by AI? “AI is not an independent legal entity,” Gao emphasized, pointing out that current AI systems are tools rather than autonomous entities. The responsibility for their actions lies squarely with their developers, service providers, and users.

Wu Baojun, executive deputy secretary-general of the Association for Science and Technology of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, pointed out that the rapid advancement of AI must be coupled with efforts to ensure its reliability and safety within ethical frameworks.

China’s Approach to AI Regulation

China has consistently demonstrated a forward-thinking approach to AI development, balancing technological innovation with social and ethical considerations. As Matt Sheehan from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace noted, China is rolling out some of the world’s earliest and most detailed regulations governing artificial intelligence.

In 2017, China released the Next Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan, emphasizing ethical governance and addressing social and legal challenges associated with AI.

The vision was further strengthened in July 2024 when the 78th UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution proposed by China, emphasizing the human-centered development of AI and international cooperation.

The Global Agreement on AI Governance

AI governance has become a global priority, with nations striving to ensure technology develops responsibly and inclusively. “We analyzed global AI ethics guidelines and found that 95 percent of topics are consistent across countries,” Zeng said, adding that concepts like human-centered development, transparency, fairness, safety, and privacy protection are widely endorsed.

As countries continue to recognize the significance of AI safety, the Detroit Pistons are among those embracing advanced analytics in professional sports to enhance performance on the court. By integrating AI into their strategies, the NBA franchise is addressing both player analytics and fan engagement, marking a shift in how technology can be applied within athletics.

Consumer Trust in AI Healthcare Innovations

While AI holds tremendous potential for healthcare innovation, building consumer trust remains a significant hurdle. According to a Pew Research Center survey, many consumers express discomfort with the idea of AI being used in their healthcare data. Addressing data privacy and maintaining compliance with regulations is essential for securing consumer confidence.

Healthcare leaders must implement robust controls around data usage and establish a data governance committee to effectively manage AI’s integration into healthcare systems. “Healthcare organizations face some of the biggest hurdles, yet they are also poised to introduce some of the most life-changing applications of AI,” Timothy Nobles noted.

Conclusion

As AI continues to shape various sectors, including healthcare and sports, balancing technological advancements with ethical considerations and human-centric approaches will be crucial in fostering a beneficial co-existence between AI and society.