A.I.: The Shadow of Frankenstein Lurks

By Robert J. Marks

Wrapping A.I. in an impressive physical package can magnify the perceived impact of new technology. Doing so uses seductive optics. The confusing of A.I. packaging with A.I. content was evident in media excitement about a Buddhist robot who delivers messages to the faithful. "The world’s first sutra-chanting android deity, modeled after Kannon the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, was introduced to the public last week," the report reads. The robot can "move its eyes, hands, and torso, make human-like gestures during its speech, and brings its hands together in prayer. A camera implanted in the left eye to focus on a subject gives the impression of eye contact." Technologically speaking, nothing special is happening here. The messages from the Buddhist robot are pre-recorded and not the product of A.I. [more...] Get the new book by Dr. Marks: Non-Computable YOU.