Blog Post 1: AI, Computer, Software, Future

AI, Computer, Software, Future

We can predict some of the future implications from today’s technological advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and design/use of computers and software. 

AI has the ability to help reduce traditional energy usage and replace it with stored energy systems or sensors which are thermoelectric. Thus, there is a potential for smart grids which could power cities, maybe even the world. Stated in source [1] these “self-powered beacon[s]…in the middle of a dense forest where even solar panels wouldn't be an option…these self-powered sensors could be the way toward making giant smart grids a reality in a super-connected future”. Why are smart grids significant to the future of the human race? Well stored energy could be used on an as needed basis to power high energy sensors like those which detect environmental features like earthquakes. Even on a small scale smart grids could power electronics and smart homes. This method is potentially more environmentally friendly than traditional ways of burning and/or expelling resources from the natural environment for energy thereby allowing for restoration of the Earth. 

Another future consideration for AI stems from AI electronics and their impact on education. As shown at Arizona State Universitythe Amazon Echo Dot devices were installed into freshman residence halls and were said to relay as much as financial aid status and grade status of students [2]. There is potential for these devices to be used to track the thoughts and actions of the future student and contribute to studies of the physical tendencies and psychological effects associated with higher education on adolescent minds. 

An example of software implications on the future of architects is evident by the new softwares compatible with 3D printers which engage architects with sample models and troubleshooting support from an informed online community support [3]. There is also virtual reality software that brings reality to design renderings to provide a deeper connection to the project. There is still a need in the architecture community for more digital representation of engineering factors in the longevity of their designs, and by creating a software to provide architects with an engineering assistant it could change the existing dynamic between engineers and architects, and arguably even encourage a lack of partnership between the two groups (i.e. if the architect has the software to analyze cost, energy, materials etc. then they may communicate less with the engineer because they have the data to create more practical designs).

Advances in computer use have accelerated from their time of fruition. “If their novelties take off without any intervention or supervision from the government, we could be inviting a nightmarish set of security and privacy vulnerabilities into the world” [4]. There is currenty potential for companies like Apple and Microsoft to continue to advance their technologies through both placement of computers into lifestyle (watches, refrigerators, cars, etc.) and including features like facial and voice recognition. In a technological future, these changes could presumably gain support from the government (and arguably already do!) which would allow the government to monitor civilian action thereby eliminating the possibility for privacy. Could this decrease criminal activity, terrorism, and other fears which stem from the unknown—possibly.  Simultaneously however, this could suggest a future of increased digital security and constant updates to diminish the risk of the collapse of society due to cyber threats especially if society is highly dependent on these technologies. Even today the computer business benefits other companies; by adding internet capabilities to an appliance (ex. Amazon’s Alexa AI microwave) it creates convenience and appeals to the busy lifestyle of this and future generation but that could have adverse affects on the social behaviors of future generations.

References:

[1]https://www.cnet.com/news/thermoelectric-future-we-tried-out-the-next-generation-of-self-powered-sensors/

[2]https://www.chronicle.com/article/Hey-Alexa-Should-We-Bring/244129?cid=wb&utm_source=wb&utm_medium=en&elqTrackId=fca8c6a17b7943d696dd417c6c7d660f&elq=02622bf46f104a1d98af1a2355bb2f4b&elqaid=19988&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=9293

[3]http://smarterware.org/2018/11/software-for-architects-the-must-have-tools-of-the-trade/

[4]https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/10/technology/future-internet-of-things.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Ftechnology&action=click&contentCollection=technology&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=2&pgtype=sectionfront

Comments:

YIDI LI - Databases could be beneficial to future engineers for allocating resources according to areas in the city which need them most. It could also help with redesigning older cities to be more modern and organized to reflect its use in modern society. My only concern with this type of technology could be the security implication of having city planning be accessible for hacking.

Andy Kuriatnikov - The idea of sensors updating themselves for maintenance purposes is interesting. This could assist in situations where constant data collection is needed and a sensor goes down, allowing for another sensor to pick up the data while the first sensor fixes itself. In buildings I think these sensors could help track the structural integrity of a design over time after it is constructed.

Calvin Tang - I would like to add to your discussion of BIM by suggesting that in the future BIM could be translated into VR. For example, if engineers could take a AutoCAD or Revit construction and create it into a virtual reality, that would probably be even more appealing for a client as it would allow for a 360 degree, fully immersive experience in a potential building.