The Future is Now: AI and Nanotechnology Plus Unleashing Possibilities
Do you ever wonder what the future could hold? Picture a world where your house calls an Uber for you when it’s time to leave, your fridge orders groceries automatically, and your washing machine restocks itself – all without you lifting a finger. Sounds like a convincing sci-fi world, right? Not even close! That future is already here, and it’s only getting better. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and nanotechnology are driving this new era of advanced intelligence in both personal and professional domains.
AI and nanotechnology may seem poles apart at first glance, but these two spheres have the potential for integrative developments that could change our world beyond recognition. Let’s see how AI and nanotechnology can work together to unleash possibilities in unexpected ways.
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
Generally, AI refers to machines (robots) that have the capacity to analyze and respond to the information they receive. It enables computers to accomplish tasks that would typically require human intelligence. A computer can take in data to detect patterns, identify seasons, classify the data, and make recommendations based on the available information. These operations can make life more comfortable, more efficient, and more reliant on technology. But having an AI system isn’t a guarantee of success if the data processing system’s input isn’t accurate enough.
For example, Google’s image search algorithm makes mistakes when generating captions for images. The algorithm tends to describe women negatively and men positively unintentionally because of what it was trained on, making the AI biased.
What is Nanotechnology?
Nanotechnology involves the study, manipulation, and creation of materials on a nanoscale level. This scale typically involves tiny particles or structures; such as manipulating, developing and constructing materials on the scale of atoms or molecules. So, nanotechnology is about building things on an atomic scale or, to be specific, 1 to 100 nanometers.
Imagine if scientists could design nano-sized robots to distinguish between normal healthy cells and deadly cancer cells, then ultimately eradicate cancer from people altogether. Scientists could also create self-replicating nano robots that were capable of reducing pollution by turning waste into electricity from the waste. Nanotechnology presents a new world of possibilities.
AI and Nanotechnology Integration
Putting these two spheres together would allow for AI to enhance the current nanotechnology. AI can improve the precision of the assembly of tiny parts of chips. This precision is essential in creating nanorobots that are biocompatible for the human body. As an example, several researchers have been exploring the potential of a ‘nanorobot’ for decades, including towards fighting cancer intrusions. This nanorobot(1) would have drug delivery abilities; this would mean nanorobots in the bloodstream identifying cancer cells and directly targeting and attacking it or carrying drugs to treat those cells.
AI’s capacity to improve nanotechnology’s precision is why scientists and engineers are emphasizing how technology integration could push our abilities to see beyond what we currently know – opening new frontiers for research, technology, and scientific discoveries.
Another instance of AI and nanotechnology’s integration can be seen in a company called ‘Molecular Assemblies’. They are combining scalable and efficient enzyme-based DNA synthesis with machine learning software for DNA synthesis optimization. As a result, they are producing DNA more efficiently and with fewer errors than previous DNA synthesis tactics. The possibilities for gene research and development are infinite.
Limitations and Concerns
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Integration of AI into nanotechnology further raises questions about the negative consequences that could occur from technology that is too advanced for humanity. A fear is that AI robots, fueled by nanobot materials, will develop in a way that is beyond human’s capability for error correction and control. There are, without a doubt, negative implications of technology integration, such as significant AI-bias and potential loss of humanity due to machines managing things that humans traditionally did. For example, Uber’s self-driving car had a fatal accident due to it not being able to identify pedestrians well in certain conditions.
Conclusion
As technology progresses, the integration of AI and nanotechnology is expected to accelerate our rate of scientific discovery and technological breakthroughs. The connection of these two fields may open up vast new areas of progress, including drug delivery, gene research, and DNA synthesis. However, we must bear in mind that AI and nanotechnology come with potential risks to humanity such as significant AI-bias and increased machine domination in areas that were traditionally run by humans. We must keep in mind our human sense of control over technology to guarantee balance and eliminate or limit unintended negative outcomes.
The future is here, but the future is only safe to shape and hold onto if humanity stays in responsible control.
(1) Parallel visions: Nanorobots could be used for cancer detection and blood cleansing – ROBOTICS BUSINESS REVIEW. [online] Available at: