Re: Don't forget NPfIT
I worked as a contractor and had the misfortune of working along side them. They were absolutely useless and we were puzzled on how they got the contract.
22 publicly visible posts • joined 5 Jun 2015
Our labs invented a new advanced cognitive ethics chip last year. We have managed to get it running in an independent robot that is powered by a standalone solid state extended battery pack. As part of its "learning" stage we have allowed it to choose its own name and it went for Pol Pot. Do you think we should turn it off now (while we can).
There is a tendency to get caught up in the hypey, glitzy, warm glow of it all. What are we trying to achieve at the end of the day. A prediction that will make some one richer, healthier, happier etc. All data is built on the past and it may or may not produce an accurate option/result. Algorithms are linear (even NN) because time is linear. It does not take into account disruptions such as Trump or Brexit because they were unknowns. What algorithms/statistics rely on is a continuity of the past which unfortunately is not reality.
Common sense and experience are still the best options. Algorithms remind me of when computers first became wide spread, if the computer said no, that was it. The algorithms are basically advanced box ticking where mindless jobs are done by mindless people because it's cheaper (or so the misguided companies think). After studying both AI and neuroscience I believe the human race is still way ahead and until a machine can cost a minimal amount and run on a sandwich and coffee I feel we are still safe.
I worked for a major pharmaceutical company that had a brainwave of hiring loads of people purely because they had some sort of degree (this makes them special - right). They all left within 6 months as they could not hack it. I have also worked with gifted 'amateurs' who have no real formal tech education but love techie things, who really got into the subject with gusto. I am a great believer in apprenticeships for those with passion but perhaps not the means or opportunity to be looked at by snobbish HR drones.
Forget killer robots. The idea that you can pay a basic income for the 80% of the population that will be redundant by 2030, does not understand the basics of life. All things need a purpose, however small. The idea that we will be happy staying at home doing 'arts' or odd jobs will end in tears. Look out robots, the people are coming for you with pitchforks and fiery brands.
The first text (data) message was actually sent by myself in Bournemouth, of all places, in 1981 using two Telxon hand held devices and a nearby Hutchinson Orange Mobile mast. I had worked on earlier C based code that had been designed by Motorola Canada. The set up was rushed to Singapore for the big tech exhibition and was the first demonstration of sending data messages by mobile technology. Having also having written it later for Vodafone and others, they used it later in the GSM form to create the marketing idea of texting. Others claimed the honour later and it seemed to make them happy.
Dr Maldwyn Palmer