Guest: Hod Lipson, roboticist and professor at Columbia University. Topics include self-repairing robots, robot ecologies, impact of large language models in education, threats and benefits of advanced technology, and the effectiveness of AI-generated disinformation.
Robots with the ability to self-repair and self-replicate can create an ecosystem of self-reliant machines, opening up new possibilities for robotics.
Embracing diverse forms of robots, each with unique abilities and purposes, is crucial for maximizing the benefits and problem-solving potential of AI and robots in various industries and everyday tasks.
Deep dives
Future of Robots: Self-repair and Self-replication
Todd Lipson envisions a future where robots can repair themselves and even consume each other for parts and self-improvement. Inspired by biological life, Lipson's lab is working on the concept of machine metabolism, where robots can use parts from other robots to repair themselves and create an ecosystem of self-reliant machines. This ability for robots to self-repair and self-replicate opens up new possibilities and applications for robotics. While the timeline for achieving this level of robotics is uncertain, Lipson emphasizes the importance of solving the energy and material repair problems to fully unlock the potential of robots.
Diverse Forms of Robots and Co-existing with AI
Lipson highlights the importance of embracing diverse forms of robots rather than solely focusing on humanoid robots. While humanoid robots can provide familiar interactions, Lipson envisions a future where robots come in various shapes and sizes, each with unique abilities and purposes. For instance, robots specialized in repairing other robots will be part of an ecosystem of robots. He emphasizes the need for humans to shift their perspective from stress to opportunity, recognizing the vast benefits and problem-solving potential that AI and robots can bring to various industries and everyday tasks.
Preparing for an AI-Driven World through AI Literacy
Lipson stresses the importance of AI literacy, both for technical and non-technical individuals. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into our lives, understanding how it works and its capabilities is crucial for making informed decisions and avoiding potential risks. Lipson advocates for educators to teach AI to the younger generation, enabling them to leverage AI technologies and contribute to shaping the future. Moreover, he urges the sharing of knowledge and diverse viewpoints with AI models, as this will contribute to AI's ability to provide accurate and comprehensive answers based on vast amounts of information.
The Need for Collaboration and Positive Outlook
Lipson emphasizes the importance of collaboration and unity between humans and AI, working together to navigate the future of AI. He encourages academia to embrace AI and new tools, allowing them to augment their own abilities and provide better solutions. While acknowledging that concerns and challenges exist, Lipson remains optimistic and highlights the vast opportunities AI and robots offer. By steering rather than fearing AI, humans can harness its potential and address current problems, making the world a better place.
Robots - embedded AI - haven't gotten the adulation that large language models have received for their recent breakthroughs, but when they do, it will be thanks in large part to Hod Lipson, professor of Mechanical Engineering at Columbia University, where he directs the Creative Machines Lab, which pioneers new ways to make machines that create, and machines that are creative. He received both DARPA and NSF faculty awards as well as being named Esquire magazine’s “Best & Brightest”, and one of Forbes’ “Top 7 Data scientists in the world.” His TED talk on building robots that are self-aware is one of the most viewed on AI, and in January 2023 he was centrally featured by the New York Times in their piece “What’s ahead for AI.” He is co-author of the award-winning books “Fabricated: The New World of 3D printing” and “Driverless: Intelligent cars and the road ahead”. Hod is a deeply passionate communicator who is driven to help people understand what’s going on with #AI and #robotics.
In the conclusion of the interview we talk about robot cannibals, self-replicating robots, novel form factors for robots, the impact of #ChatGPT on higher education, and more of Hod's expansive vision for the future.
All this plus our usual look at today's AI headlines.