White House Tackles AI Potential, Risks; Britain Unprepared for AI

Posted October 12th, 2016 at 12:39 pm (UTC-4)
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Today’s Tech Sightings:

Belgian Ian Frejean, 11, walks with "Zora" the robot, a humanoid robot designed to entertain patients and to support care providers, at AZ Damiaan hospital in Ostend, Belgium June 16, 2016. (Reuters)

Belgian Ian Frejean, 11, walks with “Zora” the robot, a humanoid robot designed to entertain patients and to support care providers, at AZ Damiaan hospital in Ostend, Belgium June 16, 2016. (Reuters)

White House: AI Has Potential to Be Major Driver of Economic Growth, Social Progress

A study commissioned by the White House earlier this year to look into the potential impact of artificial intelligence has concluded the technology holds much promise. But the writers also caution that strong vigilance is needed, saying the Obama administration believes “it is critical that industry, civil society and government work together to develop the positive aspects of the technology, manage its risks and challenges and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to help in building an A.I.-enhanced society and to participate in its benefits.” President Obama also talked about AI and robots with MIT Media Lab director Joi Ito and Wired’s Scott Dadich.

MPs: British Government Not Prepared for Robot Revolution

A report out of the British Parliament’s Science and Technology Committee has determined the government has no strategy to develop the skilled workforce needed for automation and artificial intelligence. The report also warns that more should be done to address the social and ethical problems related to the use of robots.

Industry Body: Demand for Service Robots Expected to Accelerate

The International Federation of Robotics expects demand for service robots already working in hospitals, farms and warehouses to rise within the next three years. The personal and domestic robot market is growing the fastest, with demand increasing for robotic vacuum cleaners, lawn mowers and window cleaners.

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Aida Akl
Aida Akl is a journalist working on VOA's English Webdesk. She has written on a wide range of topics, although her more recent contributions have focused on technology. She has covered both domestic and international events since the mid-1980s as a VOA reporter and international broadcaster.

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