Essay

The computational model, comparing the brain to the computer, has been the most prominent metaphor in neuroscience and AI for decades. It implies that computers are very closely aligned to the functionality of the human brain.

A new theory of how the brain works — the neural transduction theory — might upend everything we know about consciousness and the universe itself. According to this theory our bodies are completely encased by transducers.

The arguments to advance AI-research from a computer to a transducer metaphor are intriguing, especially in respect to causality. Our capacity to adapt will remain the limiting factor unless the quest for survival opens a new chapter in human evolution.

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Animals and humans exhibit learning abilities and understandings of the world that are far beyond the capabilities of current AI and machine learning (ML) systems.

How is it possible for an adolescent to learn to drive a car in about 20 hours of practice and for children to learn language with what amounts to a small exposure.

For many years now Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) has been the holy grail of AI-research Since years with little or no progress for overcoming problems related to causality. Based on a new approach of self-learning systems, with curiosity and common sense as driver, we might finally achieve an AI that serves humans as opposed to humans serving AI-machines.

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The Metaverse, proposed by Meta (formerly Facebook), is still under construction – its main building block is AI. Microsoft, as competitor, positions the Metaverse as a ‘digital space inhabited by digital representations of people and things.’

To some critics the Metaverse looks alarmingly like productivity software kitted out with VR glitter. The real threat comes from Zuckerberg’s ‘Suckerverse’.

The lack of experiencing so called ‘embodiment’ defines one of the limits of the Metaverse and its often-overhyped expectations.

It is difficult to predict where the Metaverse will be in five years and if we are indeed witnessing a paradigm shift towards the next industrial revolution.

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Perception is not supposed to be an accurate representation of sensory information. Rather, it is supposed to be an interpretation.

The mental experience of perceiving is filtered by our senses before our biological neurons and its synaptic connections within the brain will react. An illusion is a distortion of the senses and an indicator as to how the mind normally organizes and interprets sensory stimulation.

Higher level decisions require a broad understanding of issues which go beyond the capacity of current AI-technologies. Hence, human judgement and sound assessment of technological progress are likely to remain the key to successful decision-making for a long time to come.

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Biological cells generated from stem cells, can be used to provide the computational functionality of real neurons, providing so-called ‘wetware’ of living cells.

Due to limitations of processing power and energy consumption of silicon-based computers, wetware- based cell-computing is likely to bring about a paradigm-shift in machine learning technology.

Supported by Venture Capital, Start-Ups are driving the market with a vision, that within a few years, 10 billion neurons on a chip might be capable of processing our entire knowledge space.

Answering the many related ethical issues is complex. We are confronted with a radically new phenomenon of science which humanity has not been exposed to.

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Although there are many more forms of art, literature and music are especially well suited to discuss the application of AI as both can be digitally produced and distributed (Books, CDs, Video-Streaming).

Literature is the art-form of language and words are its tools while Music is the art-form concerned with combining vocal or instrumental sounds.

While AI provides tools, there are limits how far they can support the process of composing art. The fact that mathematics represents an intrinsic part of music and the same holds true for AI as well, demonstrates that integrating the disciplines of natural sciences and the humanities presents a potential path towards a new form of man/machine interaction, with creativity representing human’s most valuable contribution.

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About two years ago, a couple of AI-enthusiasts got together, starting a discussion how to promote Central Switzerland as an attractive local AI-Hub.

A principal feature of innovative regions is their capacity to create environments favourable to turning knowledge into new products and services, supported by a  collaborative platform where AI-Experiences can be openly discussed.

Management teams are under pressure as their traditional corporate culture gets disrupted by a new form of collaborative and interdisciplinary leadership

Hence, organisations as well as individuals are challenged to constantly ‘reinvent’ themselves, The mission of  LAC² is to support its members on this endeavour. Hence, become engaged and join LAC²!

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