Although two different entities, humans and machines have coexisted for many centuries now. Binary, the language that enables machines to compute and process information, is a system of two elements. It is the basis of all the coding and forms the foundation of how machines interact with the world. How does, then, the wide spectrum of human thinking and imagination accommodate the co-existence of binary machines?
When a machine is given a task, it is translated into a series of binary bits, ones and zeros, a language that it comprehends and uses to complete the assigned job. This language is what enables machines to “think” and respond to commands. For example, a computer program written in a programming language such as Java or C++ is compiled down to binary code before it can be executed.
Humans, on the other hand, are antagonistic to this feature of machines. Their ability to think and behave is far more complex and nuanced. The entire humankind uses a combination of language, gestures, and expressions to communicate. Its decisions are a conglomeration of what it has experienced and learned. Humans are also capable of abstract and creative thinking, something machines cannot do.
“Humans are not driven by technology, we are not robots or data engines; we have a lot more different kinds of intelligence. Humans are driven by experiences, relationships, emotions, and other non-technical things. Humans are multinary, Machines are binary. So, it is necessary to look at every aspect of the environment and life on earth and look at the natural combination of things.” said Gerd Leonhard, bestselling author, in a recent interview with Dinis Guarda.
Humans are underrated, machines are underappreciated
Movies like The Matrix, Terminator, and I, Robot projected it for the world, the threat that looms as automation reaches a threshold, and machines become intelligent enough to rebel. Further, as almost every sector of the industry gets automated, there is a rising fear of machines taking away our jobs.
Humans are creative beings. We think up new products and services and find ways to bring them to life. Machines aid us. For instance, robots are being used in manufacturing to increase efficiency and accuracy. In addition, computer algorithms are being used to automate processes such as data analysis, allowing us to access insights more quickly and accurately.
They enhance our skills to make dreams, which once were impossible, possible. For example, machine learning algorithms have made it possible for us to create computer systems that can learn from data, allowing us to develop new insights and capabilities. In addition, robots are being used to teach new skills, such as robotic surgery, which requires intricate motor control and accuracy.
Finally, machines are also helping to make our lives easier. For example, many machines are now capable of doing mundane tasks such as vacuuming, mowing the lawn, or washing the dishes. This allows us to free up more time for more meaningful activities.
As these human creations come to fruition and become business as usual, we develop machines to take the work off our hands. This frees up our time while maintaining the benefits we have created.
“Thanks to big data. Machines can now be programmed to do the next thing right. But only humans can do the next right thing.” – Dov Seidman, Chairman and former CEO of LRN, an ethics and compliance management firm.
Enhancing humans is not the only way that robots should be optimally used. As the world advances, machines and technology also serve to free us to imagine novel ways of achieving new challenges; small and large. Remember, robots are capable of tirelessly repeating tasks over and over no matter how mundane they are. By taking over jobs like pulling a lever, running down bolts, and even autonomously driving a car, machines free us so that we can better utilize our time. The truth is, we as human beings will never run out of work that is appropriate for us to perform because we possess the unique ability to create our own future.
A complementary existence
Humans and machines are neither overlapping nor contradictory forces. The coexistence of machines and humans has resulted in a larger ecosystem: machines relying on binary to process information and respond to commands, while humans using their multinary abilities to interpret the world and make decisions.
This combination of binary and multinary allows us to interact with machines in a meaningful way. We can understand what the machine is trying to do and respond appropriately.
“Our technology, our machines, is part of our humanity. We created them to extend ourselves, and that is what is unique about human beings.” – Ray Kurzweil, author, entrepreneur, futurist, and computer scientist.
At the same time, it is important to remember that machines and humans are fundamentally different entities. While machines are built to think and respond in binary, humans are capable of a much wider range of thought. This distinction is what makes an individual unique. This unique ability allows humans to interact with machines in a meaningful and productive way.
The idea of humans and machines co-existing is not a new one, and it has been a topic of debate for centuries. In the past, machines were seen as a threat to human labor, but the current view is more optimistic. Humans and machines have the potential to work together to achieve greater productivity and efficiency, and this could lead to a new era of progress and innovation.
The relationship between humans and machines is one that needs to be managed carefully. Machines need to be programmed and monitored in order to ensure they are performing tasks safely and ethically. Furthermore, the development of Artificial Intelligence needs to be done responsibly, as AI has the potential to cause disruption in many areas of life, from the economy to the environment.
Ultimately, the relationship between humans and machines is an ever-evolving one. As technology advances, the roles of humans and machines in society will continue to change, and it is important to ensure that the relationship between the two remains a positive one.
Hernaldo Turrillo is a writer and author specialised in innovation, AI, DLT, SMEs, trading, investing and new trends in technology and business. He has been working for ztudium group since 2017. He is the editor of openbusinesscouncil.org, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and writes regularly for intelligenthq.com, socialmediacouncil.eu. Hernaldo was born in Spain and finally settled in London, United Kingdom, after a few years of personal growth. Hernaldo finished his Journalism bachelor degree in the University of Seville, Spain, and began working as reporter in the newspaper, Europa Sur, writing about Politics and Society. He also worked as community manager and marketing advisor in Los Barrios, Spain. Innovation, technology, politics and economy are his main interests, with special focus on new trends and ethical projects. He enjoys finding himself getting lost in words, explaining what he understands from the world and helping others. Besides a journalist, he is also a thinker and proactive in digital transformation strategies. Knowledge and ideas have no limits.
