Jason Bradbury on the dynamic evolution of technology and the dominance of AI

Whatever is driving the Moore’s Law-ian development of computer power into and beyond even the most unexpected platforms – washing machines, doorbells, AAA gaming devices that you can fit in your coat pocket (okay, my Steamdeck requires a big pocket, but you get the idea) – it’s certainly the case that predictions about the rise of the Internet of Things, namely, the interconnected nature of just about anything capable of carrying a chip, were not exaggerated.

It feels to me like we’re drowning in the invisible cables of interconnectivity. Technology has always been a catalyst for change. From the first of the Industrial Revolutions to what author Naomi Alderman calls our current stage, the ‘Third Information Crisis’, each technological leap has brought about significant societal shifts. Today, we are witnessing a new era where AI and machine learning are at the forefront of what is shaping up to be an incredible few decades of change—but before the waters calm and we’re able to float around in our Mixed Reality helmets and enjoy the extraordinary benefits to humanity that Super Intelligence might bring, we need to navigate the rocky waters of the short term.

One of the most significant impacts of AI is in the field of healthcare. AI-powered tools are now capable of diagnosing diseases with remarkable accuracy, predicting patient outcomes, and suggesting personalised treatment plans. I was delivering an AI Keynote at a Healthcare Summit recently, and a hospital administrator in the audience told me they were handling 11,000 phone calls a day into the hospital. Gaming out the efficiency gains that a Natural Language Processing solution could deliver, with an empathetic, natural-sounding AI switchboard operator, with access to a massive database of previous patient interactions with positive outcomes, it isn’t hard to see the upside. And then there’s the extraordinary clarity of AI-driven Computer Vision systems that can analyze medical images to detect early signs of medical anomalies, often with greater precision than human doctors. This not only speeds up diagnosis but also opens up new avenues for preventative care.

The issue is, these advancements also come with significant challenges and ethical considerations. The question of data privacy and security comes to mind, as the sensitive nature of medical data makes it a prime target for cyber-attacks. I delivered another keynote, this time for a Cyber Security conference, and I learned that GPT-4 isn’t the only popular Generative AI tool. WormGPT is the go-to engine for cybercriminals looking to create code for Business Email Compromise Attacks. So, while a GPT-driven customer service agent might help to improve waiting times in the NHS, the same technology is the perfect solution for attacking NHS patient databases with persuasive emails and phishing attacks.

Like a journey in the vintage Sinclair C5 I sometimes take to Sainsbury's—the 80’s micro electric car invented by Sir Clive Sinclair in 1985—the future is exciting but filled with the potential for disaster (don’t take the roundabout too speedily in a C5 or you’ll end up toppling the thing). And I’m not even talking Terminator scenarios. While we’re distracted by ever-more sticky TikTok videos that AI Algorithms will continue to refine, there is the potential for AI to be used in concretely harmful ways, for surveillance or the creation of automated weaponry. It is imperative that we establish ethical guidelines and international regulations to govern the use of AI, ensuring that it is developed and deployed responsibly.

As I reflect on the dynamic evolution of technology and the dominance of AI, I can't help but feel a mix of excitement and caution. The strides of just the last few years are reminiscent of my early days playing with those consumer electronics prototypes from my dad’s plastics factory  - magical yet fraught with early-adopter challenges. AI's potential to revolutionise healthcare, provide us with new materials, efficient new energy extraction technologies, driverless transportation and so much more is undeniable, but we must tread carefully. Balancing innovation with ethical considerations, ensuring data privacy, and safeguarding against cyber threats are paramount. The promise of AI and related technologies is vast, but so are the pitfalls. By approaching AI with ‘Cautious Optimism’, we can harness its benefits while mitigating risks, ensuring that in the next two decades or so, technology serves humanity responsibly and equitably.