The Technological Singularity

The moment in time at which artificial intelligence reaches a tipping point from which a learning curve approaches infinity. In lay terms, this is the point in time when computer programs begin to "self-learn" at an exponential rate without the need for human intervention. It is unknown whether or not humans will even be able to control its direction and growth. Much debate centers around whether this event will occur and if so, when it will begin. Certain estimates track the potential singularity to be as early as 2040.

What this means for business and its use of technology is at the core of this debate. In 2018, AI ("Artificial Intelligence") is thought to be at about the intellectual capability of a cockroach. As that progresses, at which point do our programs begin to set their own goals, develop their own intentions and form their own opinions?

One hurdle is the capacity of hardware and the limits on processing power and storage under our current power supply capabilities. Our chips may simply catch on fire due to the power needs necessary to compute at more advanced levels. However, as technology and hardware constraints are resolved, the ability to handle increased computation levels could be right around the corner.

Professionals have the ability to engage developers in a way that appropriate business logic is implemented in the early states of design so that future systems are built with a solid foundation enabling a smooth convergence of technology and human interaction. This means that the sooner that programmers collaborate with boots on the ground experience the better.

I can design the quickest drying bathing suit, but without the input of the swimmers that are going to be wearing it, the end result can suffer from the lack of input at inception. Similarly, if the point of singularity is reached before professionals are able to provide valuable insight, we as a population may be stuck with what our programmers are telling the systems to do.

Our goal is to educate professionals on the capabilities and limits of technology with an eye towards the inevitable opportunities that exist as business and technology collide.