Showing posts with label robots. Show all posts
Showing posts with label robots. Show all posts

29.11.16

Health 4.0: Robots, Artificial Intelligence, and Ethics

Futurist Ray Kurzweil has predicted that computers will be as smart as humans by 2030. By 2045, he claims 'artificial intelligence' systems may be a billion times more powerful than our unaided 'human intelligence'. Quantum Computing and Artificial intelligence (AI) will be key components of autonomous, self-learning robotic systems and ‘smart’ machines of the future. Are you prepared for what this means?
The promise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has always been just beyond the horizon, not quite realistic yet still capturing our imagination in contemporary movies and literature. At its inception, AI was initially deployed for highly selective defense or space exploration applications. However, over time it has steadily advanced and has begun to be utilized in many other industries, such as transportation, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Health 4.0 Future Scenario: By 2040, a space-based global artificial intelligence (AI) network of satellites will be in place that will monitor and help provide healthcare to people on Earth and in colonies across our solar system on the Moon, Mars, and other locations. The system will be linked to massive global health data warehouses storing data from a wide range of health IT systems, e.g. Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, Personal Health Records (PHR), Health Information Exchange (HIE) networks, wearable fitness trackers, implantable medical devices, clinical imaging systems, genomic databases and bio-repositories, service robots, and more.
The space-based global AI system will monitor and analyze the health data gathered on all humans in real-time, detecting potential individual and public health issues. The global AI system will detect problems, diagnose them, send alerts to patients and their healthcare providers, diagnose the problems and recommend treatment plans to resolve the healthcare issue. The system will also be interfaced to pharmacies, laboratories, health insurers, public health agencies, and other institutions as needed. The system will also be able to monitor a patient's progress, as well as adherence to recommended treatment plans. It will also seek to anticipate potential healthcare issues, provide preventive health and predictive health information tailored to each human, and even make key healthcare decisions on your behalf.
RoboEthics
How people communicate with each other is very different from how people interact with machines. A growing trend in computer systems design and development now involves looking more closely at how humans interact, communicate and make decisions. The goal is to teach computers, machines, robots, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to better comprehend, communicate, and safely interact with humans. This field of study is currently being referred to as Robot Ethics or AI Machine Ethics.
It’s interesting to note that Robot Ethics, also referred to as RoboEthics, covers both (1) the issue of moral behavior humans need to design and build into robots and AI systems interacting with humans, in addition to (2) the moral obligations of society towards its robots and ‘smart’machines. These ‘robot rights’ may include the right to life and liberty, freedom of thought, expression, and equality before the law – similar to human and animal rights.
'Deep learning' is the is one of the current terms used to describe the process of teaching artificial intelligent (AI) systems and self-learning autonomous robots to understand and solve problems by themselves, rather than having engineers having to code each and every decision or solution these non-human systems will make.
RoboEthics will be a key issue that needs to be addressed in Health 4.0 Systems.

 Recent Articles on Robots, AI and Ethics
The following are a selection of recent articles on the topic of Robots, AI and Ethics that you may want to quickly scan as you delve deeper into the topic at hand:
Isaac Asimov’s “Three Laws of Robotics”
  • A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
  • A robot must obey orders given it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
  • A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

  • Robotics: Ethics of Artificial Intelligence – Development of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) may be deployed within a few years - and the stakes are high. LAWS will have the ability to select and engage human targets without human intervention. Think about this!

  • Scholars Delve Deeper into the Ethics Of Artificial Intelligence - The U.S. Constitution says that every person should benefit from equal protection under the law. However, our Founding Fathers never contemplated that a ‘person’ would include an artificial intelligent robot.

  • Researchers establish a Standard for Robotic Ethics - As AI continues its rapid advances, it’s become clearer and clearer that we are dealing with some of the most dangerous technology we’ve ever developed.

  • How Tech Giants Are Devising Real Ethics for Artificial Intelligence - Five of the world’s largest tech companies are trying to create a standard of ethics around the creation of artificial intelligence. The importance of the industry effort is underscored in a recent report issued by a Stanford University group.

  • Can Artificial Intelligence Be Ethical? - It is one thing to unleash AI in the context of a game with specific rules and a clear goal; it is something very different to release self-learning AI into the real world, where the unpredictability of the environment may reveal decision-making software errors that have potentially disastrous consequences. Witness the Microsoft chat-bot called ‘Tay’.

  • Will Robots Need Their Own Ethics? - If we view robots as potential agents or persons, with a degree of autonomy that approaches or may even exceed human autonomy, then ‘robot ethics’ depends upon the notion that robots might in some sense be moral agents in their own right.

  • The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence: A Future Dilemma with Humanoid Robotics - Inverse Reinforcement Learning (IRL) allows sensor-based AI systems to observe humans, identify behaviors, which can then be converted into a form of operating system software code. This can then be used to develop ‘humanoid’ robotic systems that attempt to act like a human under most conditions. In other words, we’re turning human behavioral patterns into a programmable algorithm - the Algorithm of Life.

  • BSI's First Robot Code of Ethics Bans AI from Harming Humans - The British Standards Institute (BSI), UK’s leading business standards organization, has published a guide that outlines how robots and robotic systems should take ethics into account. 

  • Artificial Intelligence Will Radically Redesign Healthcare -  AI in healthcare and medicine could organize patient routes or treatment plans better, and also provide physicians with literally all the information they need to make better decisions.
Conclusions and Recommendations
The following are a number of preliminary observations, conclusions, and recommendations for those working on the issue of embedding ethical rules into tomorrow’s self-learning autonomous robots and artificial intelligence (AI) systems:
  • ‘Open’ Solutions: Because Artificial Intelligence (AI) will have such a profound effect on humanity, it is recommended that AI developers have an ethical obligation to be open and transparent in their efforts. For example, check out the existing OpenCog, Open RoboEthics, and OpenAI initiatives aimed at developing ‘open source’ AI systems for humanity.
  • Software Development – Software development teams attempting to build ‘ethical' AI and robotic systems in healthcare must be composed not only of Subject Matter Experts (SMA), systems analysts and programmers, but should also include Ethicists and Auditors specifically trained to carefully monitor the ongoing, changing behavior of autonomous self-learning robotic systems.
  • Domestic Legal Issues - With the lightening-fast development of robotics engineering and AI systems, the legal world is already way behind the curve. Congress needs to ensure a national oversight group becomes more proactive in developing laws to protect citizens before industry releases potential harmful systems on an unsuspecting public.
  • International Law - Next-generation self-learning robotic weapon systems will have the ability to make their own logical decisions on who to kill. Unfortunately, many governments around the world are already funding Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS) without taking appropriate precautions to protect humans from AI systems that may go ‘rogue’.

 What other conclusions and recommendations do you think need to be highlighted?





Selected References






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22.3.16

Latest Update on Human Augmentation and Exoskeleton Technologies

News continues to proliferate about the development, deployment and use of emerging human augmentation and exoskeleton technologies.
Human augmentation technologies have the potential to enhance our innate human abilities in many ways. For example, it could be used to replace missing limbs or correct physical disabilities. In fact, some of the latest prosthetic devices have now reached the stage where they offer equivalent or slightly improved functionality over human limbs.

Military organizations are now experimenting with a wide range of 1st generation human augmentation technologies, including exoskeletons that allow personnel to carry increased loads and perform at a higher level. These devices also have the potential to be adapted for use in healthcare and many other industries.

Elderly people could benefit from powered human augmentation technology, such as powered exoskeletons, that can be used to assist wearers with simple walking and lifting activities, improving the health and quality of life for aging populations.

New implantable brain-machine interfaces have been developed and are being tested that are demonstrating that directly bridging the gap between brain and prosthetic devices are becoming a reality – allowing prosthetic devices to be directly integrated with the user’s body.

Neuro-enhancement technology under development could also provide superior memory recall or speed of thought for humans. Think of the possibilities for the those suffering from some form of dementia.

Exoskeleton Technology

Powered exoskeletons consist primarily of an outer framework worn by a person coupled with a powered system of motors or hydraulics that delivers part of the energy needed for limb movement.

The main function of a powered exoskeleton is to assist the wearer by boosting their strength and endurance. To date, powered exoskeletons have primarily been designed and developed for use by the military.

Powered exoskeletons are now also being designed for use by firefighters and other rescue workers operating in dangerous situation.  The medical field is another prime area for exoskeleton technology development and use. For example, it could be used to assist nurses in moving heavy patients. It could also be used by patients with major physical disabilities, missing limbs, and many who are currently wheelchair-bound.

Exoskeleton for the Military 

The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) initiated development of exoskeletons in 2001 under the Exoskeletons for Human Performance Augmentation program. Check out some of the following examples:
  • XOS Exoskeleton is a robotics suit developed for the US Army. The XOS system was originally developed as the Wearable Energetically Autonomous Robot (WEAR) by Sarcos Research. The company was subsequently acquired by the defense contractor Raytheon.
  • The DARPA Warrior Web program aims to develop a soft, lightweight suit that would help reduce injuries and fatigue and improve Soldiers’ ability to efficiently perform their missions.
  • Human Universal Load Carrier (HULC) is an untethered, hydraulic-powered anthropomorphic exoskeleton developed by Ekso Bionics , under an exclusive licensing agreement with Lockheed Martin. It is intended to help soldiers in combat carry a load of up to 200 pounds at a top speed of 10 miles per hour for extended periods of time.
  • A light weight robotic exoskeleton is also being developed and tested by Harvard scientists for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) called the Soft 'Exosuit'. 

Exoskeletons in Medicine 

Several companies have also created exoskeleton systems for use in medicine. For example, check out the following solutions:
  • The HULC System developed by Ekso Bionics for the military is also working on a modified version of the system for medical use. The Ekso Exoskeleton Lower Extremity Gait System (eLEGS)  is a hydraulically powered exoskeleton system that helps paraplegics to stand and walk. A variant of the system known as Mantis is being developed for use in other industries.
  • Cyberdyne has developed the Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL-5),  a wearable exoskeleton cyborg-type suit, that allows the wearer to lift 10 times as much as they normally could. It is expected to be applied in various fields such as rehabilitation support and physical training support in medical field, activities of daily living (ADL) support for disabled people. Cyberdyne's HAL-5 system could also provide support for rescue workers at disaster sites.
  • Honda has been working on their Walk Assist & Body Support systems that is now being readied for the marketplace. It is designed for use in activities requiring extended standing or repetitive lower-body tasks.
  • ARGO Medical Technologies has partnered with innovative robotics experts YaskawaElectric Corporation as it continues the global expansion of its ReWalk exoskeleton device which enables individuals with lower limb disabilities such as paraplegia to walk.

Exoskeletons & Open Source 

Various organizations and projects teams have now tapped into the 'open source' movement and practices to collaborate, share, and speed up the development of a wide range of innovative human augmentation solutions, including exoskeleton systems. For example:
  • OpenExo is a project to build and program an open source assistive lower limb exoskeleton. Also visit the OpenExo Project on GitHub.
  • Open Prosthetics Project is producing useful innovations in the field of prosthetics and freely sharing the CAD designs, open source code, and open source hardware, e.g. Arduino boards.
  • Rehab Rex is designed and developed by Rex Bionics for use in rehabilitation centers to assist with the treatment of patients under their care.
  • Titan Arm is a robotic exoskeleton which was developed using low-cost manufacturing and production techniques to cut the cost dramatically. The project team used open source software to run the device and reduce development costs.
The development of human augmentation technology and exoskeletons is primed for significant growth over the coming decade(s).  Think of the many benefits to the military, manufacturing, factories, healthcare, gaming, and many other industries. As we move into the next generation of this technology and become more aware of its potential, more and more actors are getting into the game.

Latest Exoskeleton Technology News
Finally, some of the most recent articles this year about this emerging market and specific exoskeleton products include the following:
  • Panasonic thinks you'll hike, run, and build stuff using its Robotic Exoskeletons - Panasonic has developed three different types of exoskeletons designed for specific tasks. Their Panasonic Assist Suit is designed for warehouse and factory workers who lift heavy things, reducing strain on a wearer's lower back by up to 33 pounds. The much sleeker-looking PLN-01, which Panasonic has dubbed "Ninja," assists with motions like walking and running, and is shown being worn by people hiking steep mountain trails. Finally, the Power Loader suit is a very large exoskeleton that's designed for construction, public works, and disaster relief.
  • FDA Clears Parker's Indego® Exoskeleton for Clinical and Personal Use - Parker Hannifin Corporation, the global leader in motion and control technologies, today announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given clearance to now market and sell their Indego® exoskeleton for clinical and personal use in America. Indego is already commercially available in Europe. With annual sales of approximately $13 billion in fiscal year 2015, Parker Hannifin currently employs approximately 55,000 people in 50 countries around the world. Visit the company's website at www.parker.com
  • Ekso Bionics has now developed and delivered their Ekso GT robotic exoskeleton which enables individuals with lower extremity paralysis or weakness to stand and walk. In fact, the first Ekso GT was delivered to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago several years ago. The FDA is now hoping to see Ekso Bionics conduct a post-market study to assess the use of their products by patients.
  • Advances in exoskeleton tech provide the gift of walking to Paraplegic Patients - Recently, the California-based bionics firm suitX was selected as the winner of the $1 million top prize at the event for its pediatric medical exoskeleton at the 2016 UAE Artificial Intelligence & Robotics Competition. The company’s Phoenix exoskeleton is a modular unit which has a maximum weight of 27 pounds and is adjustable in size. The pediatric version of the Phoenix exoskeleton has been envisioned for helping children suffering from cerebral palsy or spina bifida to gain ambulatory mobility.
  • Global Exoskeleton Robots Market 2016-2020: Key Vendors are Cyberdyne, Ekso Bionics, Rewalk Robotics and Rex Bionics - The global exoskeleton robots market is expected to grow at a fairly solid Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 50.85% during the period 2016-2020. Then the industry will really take off!
If you're looking for a hot new field to enter that will start to play a dominant role in the marketplace in the 2020-2030 timeframe, this is it – human augmentation and exoskeleton technologies.
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12.12.14

Who's Watching the Machines?


Ever heard of Robo Brain, a system that scours the Internet and teaches other robots how to think. It exists!

Back in 1959, Arthur Samuel defined machine learning as a "field of study that gives computers the ability to learn without being explicitly programmed". Today, machine learning has become a reality. In fact, machines are now teaching machines. It's no longer science fiction.

Machine learning is currently considered a subfield of computer science and has strong ties to Artificial Intelligence (AI). Hopefully you read the recent article we posted in which the world renowned theoretical physicist Professor Stephen Hawking warning that artificial intelligence could end mankind as we know it.

Machine Learning

Machine learning tasks are typically classified into three broad categories - Supervised learning, Unsupervised learning, and Reinforcement learning. In reinforcement learning, a computerized machine interacts with a dynamic environment without a human teacher explicitly telling it what to do, e.g. driving a car or playing a game.

In the early days of AI as an academic discipline, some researchers were interested in having machines learn from data and their focus shifted from AI to building neural networks. In the 1990s, as the field of machine learning started to flourish, the field began narrowing in on solving problems of a more practical nature - especially with the rapid evolution of robotics and their use in a growing number of industries.

Machines Teaching Machines

Twenty years ago humans were teaching machines how to 'think'. Today, machine learning has advanced to the stage where robots are now capable of teaching themselves how to think - without human input. Ever heard of Robo Brain, a system that scours the Internet and teaches other robots how to think. It already exists!

Machines Now Teaching Humans


If you look around today, you can see machines starting to teach humans how to think and act. Is this good or bad? Should we be concerned? Maybe we should be taking Stephen Hawking's warning to heart and not let scientists and corporations run amuck in this arena.


If you are concerned, maybe you should start to check out some of the latest articles about learning machines and robots.


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