Flying Machines with Artificial Intelligence: Is this really good idea?

Written by: Brandon Marchek

Stanford scientists feel accomplished, and in a way, they should. They have successfully created a flying machine that has taught itself to fly, who wouldn’t be pumped?

Like boys with toys on steroids, these scientists have equipped their four-foot long helicopters with artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Mix that with the help of a human controlled helicopter and voila, the AI taught it to fly. The AI helicopter was able to pick up on and perform flips, rolls, knife edge turns and inverted hovers. Some maneuvers were so impressive that they may have out performed the capabilities of most real helicopters.

Companies are starting to contact the research group in hopes to make these helicopters fit into surveillance and mapping. The current price tag? $4,000 dollars. Which, all things considered, isn’t that bad. But is it really a good idea?

My thoughts, no. In a world of increasing technology, and a need to fill voids, these helicopters might find themselves thrown into the commercial world, and AI placed on fixed wing aircraft, replacing pilots. History has shown that small breakthroughs like this don’t stay small for long. Soon, companies and scientists will want to put AI on everything.

It a fixed environment, like a factory, where AI machines can be locked down and monitored by a human presence...it might be beneficial. However, in a different environment, where AI is free to roam the skies on the belief that it will stick to what its supposed to, it might be a different situation.

In a world where emphasis is being placed on computer attack, would you really want something being computer driven? Even if only placed in the civilian world for surveillance and mapping, or the transportation of passengers, a flying machine can be dangerous. I could be paranoid, but there are some places AI shouldn’t be, and thats in the sky.