Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a concept that excites some and frightens others.
But, whatever our reaction, it is increasingly becoming a big part of the technological landscape. Unfortunately the focus of too many discussions is grounded more in science fiction than science fact. This may make for provocative and alarming headlines, but it seldom enables discussions to focus on the right areas.
Take, for example, Dr Stephen Hawking’s claims that AI could be the best or worst thing to happen to humanity. Immediately our minds go to various sci-fi films of robots ‘deciding’ to take over the world (note the verb implying a conscious choice). Could this happen to us?
