At the recent Precisely conference in Philadelphia, Zack Kass, an AI futurist and former head of go-to-market at OpenAI, discussed the challenges and considerations surrounding the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in the context of autonomous vehicles. Kass emphasized the need to understand the interplay between technological thresholds and societal thresholds as we navigate the integration of AI into our daily lives.
Kass highlighted three obstacles that may impede progress in AI adoption: the fear of losing control, exaggerated views of AI’s risks, and a low tolerance for machine failure. These challenges are particularly relevant in the case of autonomous vehicles, which Kass identified as the “bellwether” of AI adoption.
Drawing a parallel to the early days of elevators, Kass pointed out that people were initially afraid to ride them. However, the introduction of human touches such as music, mirrors, and human elevator operators helped alleviate these fears and increased elevator usage. This example illustrates how societal thresholds can be adjusted to accommodate technological advancements.
Similarly, Kass suggested that fears and confusion surrounding AI will diminish as more human touches are added to AI solutions. One such example is agentive AI or autonomous agents, where tasks and goals can be assigned to AI systems, streamlining interactions across various applications and browsers. Kass also discussed the potential of natural language operating systems, which would enable humans to interact with machines in a more intuitive and natural manner.
While acknowledging the current digital divide and the need for familiarity with machines to harness their full potential, Kass highlighted the emergence of technologies like ChatGPT that provide a glimpse into a future where human-machine interactions are as seamless as human-human interactions. He predicted that within the next 10 to 15 years, natural language operating systems could revolutionize the way we communicate with machines.
As AI continues to advance, Kass urged AI proponents to consider the human impact of their work and to bridge the gap between technological thresholds and societal thresholds. By addressing fears, incorporating human touches, and enhancing user experiences, Kass believes that AI can be embraced and trusted in various domains, including autonomous vehicles.