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Josh Jones
CST 300 Writing Lab
February 20, 2017

Humans vs Robots

We are entering an exciting yet terrifying era in modern computing technology. What

once seemed like a highly imaginative and unlikely possibility; is now a reality. Mankind is on a

crash course with artificially intelligent robots, who have the ability to think and reason much as

the rest of the human race.

The quest to create these life-like robots began over seventy years ago. During World

War II new challenges were brought on that created new needs for more advanced technology.

The world needed its brightest minds to take on these new challenges. The work done by

Mathematician Alan Turing and Neurologist Grey Walter, marked a turning point and illustrated

the importance of these intelligent machines. Walter created some of the first robots the world

had ever seen. Turing created what is known as the Turing Test, a computer that had the ability

to trick someone into thinking that they were speaking to an actual person (Wakefield, 2015).

The perception and the general public interest in the intelligent machines varied after World War

II. In 1956, the official term of artificial intelligence was created during a conference in

Dartmouth College (Lewis, 2014). The usage of robotics was becoming more common and

accepted. Machines had the ability to work more efficiently than humans in certain industries.

In 1961, the world was introduced to the first ever industrial robot that began working on an

assembly line for General Motors (Press, 2016). After the 60s, the interest in artificial

intelligence dipped dramatically as the overall efforts seemed to disappoint. Scientists had

created practical applications, a far cry from the exciting and ambitious goal of creating robots

that resembled humans. The late 90s and early 2000s marked a time when interest in robots
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suddenly peaked again. IBMs Deep Blue and Watson computers beat former world chess

champion Garry Kasparov and former Jeopardy champions Brad Rutter and Ken Jennings (Tate,

2014). The intelligence of robots was once again on full display for the entire world to witness.

Since the creation of artificial intelligence, the general public developed the fear of a

robot invasion. Particularly in the workforce, where blue collar workers seem to be the most

vulnerable. In the past decade, advances in technology has sparked this dormant fear.

University of Oxford researchers Carl Benedikt Frey and Michael Osborne estimated in 2013

that 47 percent of total U.S. jobs could be automated and taken over by computers by 2033

(Sherman, 2015). In 2014, Uber co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Travis Kalanick began

his efforts to replace Ubers more than 1million human drivers with robot driversas quickly

as possible (Chafkin, 2016). A demand to raise the minimum wage has also sparked interest

from huge corporations such as McDonalds and Starbucks to seek alternative methods of

constructing their workforce. These less skilled workers are frightened that robots will soon

perform jobs more efficiently at a fraction of the price. They argue that the human experience

will be obsolete and errors will naturally occur. These claims have been found to be justified.

With the introduction of artificial intelligence to medicine, there were 144 deaths during robot-

assisted surgery, 1,391 injuries, and 8,061 counts of device malfunctions (Thomson, 2015).

The blue-collar worker claims that big businesses are cutting corners by automating important

jobs in order to increase profits. A combination of fear of unemployment and overall safety

drives tops their concerns. Blue collar workers are using a claims of value to explain their

overall concern of the clash of humanity with robots. They believe the usage of robots should be

reconsidered or kept to a minimum. They fear that the more automated things become, the more

dangers are presented. Jobs will be lost, and people will suffer. Therefore, blue-collar worker
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workers disapprove a workforce that is mainly made up of robots holding important roles in our

society.

On the contrary, scientists believe that a shift to robotics will actually enhance the human

experience, not take away from it. Countries that are investing heavily on robotics are estimated

to be more productive by 40 percent in the next 20 years (Roy, 2016). The argument thats being

made is that technology is already heavily engrained in our way of lives. Mobile apps are

already replacing many human jobs. People or nations must either stay ahead of the trends or get

left behind. In certain situations, a machine can be more efficient than a human. Researchers at

the University of California experimented with a robot that filled 350,000 prescriptions without a

single mistake (Dickinson, 2011). Robots can malfunction but it is uncommon for them to make

simple yet dangerous human mistakes. They can be used for jobs that are too dangerous for

humans such as warfare. In the Iraq war that lasted eight years, more than 4,000 American lives

were lost (Calamur, 2016). Robots give nations an advantage by providing more efficient

soldiers without the risk of casualty. The influence of robots in the workforce is seen as more of

a job transformation, not a job replacement. Andrew Moore, who was involved with artificial

intelligence and robotics at Google, states that he has seen no evidence that this technology is

stealing jobsand that, as time goes on, it will likely create an enormous number of jobs (Metz,

2015). Scientists are in the primitive stages of artificial intelligence. Like any new

implementation, there will be mistakes. Scientist are using a claim of cause to voice their stance

on artificial intelligence. It is not an argument of whether robots will replace human jobs.

Instead, they argue that jobs have and always will shift on the needs of society. Robots will need

humans to be created, repaired, monitored and programmed. It is argued that the mere creation

of robots cannot be the sole reason for an individuals ability to acquire and retain employment.
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The concerns expressed by blue collar workers are very practical. Technology does not

have to wait for the future to take away human jobs. It is agreed that automation is already

replacing and changing the workforce. The incident with Uber is an example of how quickly an

industry can change. However, it wasnt long ago when Uber was rumored to potentially destroy

the taxi transportation industry. That rumor can be debated but the fact that Uber also created

millions of new jobs cannot be ignored. We are in the dawn age of artificial intelligence. The

dangers of creating machines that have the ability to be smarter than the smartest humans, are

still relatively unknown. How long and how far do we push the limitations of robots and at what

point does our ambitions end up being detrimental to our way of life? Robots can be more

efficient than humans, but they present new challenges. A robot does not make simple human

errors, but a human cannot be hacked. This was evident when recently a new automated banking

system that is supported by artificial intelligence was caught embezzling money from customers

(Cho, 2016).

Scientists will continue to push the envelope on artificial intelligence abilities. Their

views on technology creating jobs is something we have witnessed in the past. However, the

predictions of the number of jobs robots will take versus how many they will create are pure

estimates. Their views on robot dependency of humans can be debated mainly because there is

no definite answer on how smart these robots can actually become. The thought of a robot that

can repair, program and create itself can no longer be viewed as far-fetched. However, a robot

infusion in certain jobs can be very productive and beneficial to mankind. Robots in war can

greatly reduce casualties and perhaps even prevent major conflicts. This is something we

witnessed in the past with the introduction of nuclear weapons. The fear of a highly destructive

and effective robot army can discourage major nations into going to war with each other.
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The argument that technology creates new jobs is a fact that has occurred repeatedly in the past.

Not long ago, it was feared that e-commerce would compromise brick and mortar businesses. As

of 2009, e-commerce had created 1.2 million new jobs and contributed over $300 billion into the

US economy (Thibodeau, 2009). As consumer and society preferences change, new jobs and

opportunities are created.

Scientists and blue collar workers opinions and beliefs operate under completely

different ethical frameworks. The scientists, who believe robots will enhance the human

experience and create new jobs are operating under the Utilitarianism ethical framework.

Utilitarianism argues that the true validity of an act is determined by how much good the action

creates even if it results in some harm. Utilitarianism was credited to the English philosopher

Jeremy Bentham, who believed that the good is whatever brings the greatest happiness to the

greatest number of people (Mastin, 2008). This framework places emphasis on society as a

whole, rather than focusing on the well-being of the individual. Scientists are willing to move

forward with their research on artificial intelligence because they assume robots will create more

good than harm. Their assumption is that any jobs that may be lost are well worth the benefits of

introducing what will one day become an efficient, safe and advanced society aided by artificial

intelligence.

In comparison, blue collar workers are operating under the Ethical

Egoism framework that emphasis the righteousness of an act to be determined solely by the

amount of benefit the action provides for the individual. This framework argues that it is human

nature for people to act in a manner that is in their best interest. Our blue collar workers are

solely focused on the burden robots would create in their own personal lives. They are unwilling

to entertain the idea that artificial intelligence might indeed create new jobs and improve living
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conditions for society as a whole. Perhaps their assumptions are influenced by their own bias.

They may not see the value or need to change what they assume is a perfectly functioning

system.

As humanity inches closer to a showdown with artificial intelligence, the options we have

available can be narrowed down to two possible outcomes. The first option is to monitor the

development of robots more closely. Eliminating the research would not be a feasible option as

many of our daily routines are already so deeply engrained by artificial intelligence. Limitations

can be placed on industries robots could legally participate. Limiting the development of

breakthrough advances can severely cripple the overall effectiveness of artificial science. This

may set the research back by decades. If robots can indeed enhance the human experience, it

would be an experience that many of us might never witness. However, these restrictions can

also be very useful. Robots can be introduced in a slower and safer manner to society. Vigorous

testing can potentially reduce or eliminate some of the security and malfunctions the robots seem

to be vulnerable to in the present day. This stance would be favorable to the concerned blue-

collar workers who have expressed their displeasure of losing jobs to robots. These blue-collar

citizens are operating under the Ethical Egoism framework. Their concerns are mainly

influenced by the amount of good/harm artificial intelligence would create in their own personal

life. The overall effect on society caused by automation is widely ignored.

The second option would be to give scientists our full support. Growing pains are

common in every business and in every industry. To expect a completely smooth and error free

implementation of such a dramatic shift in society, would be unrealistic at best. An increase in

government funding can bring focus to the research, which would allow scientists to better test

their theories. Such support would dramatically speed up an already fast moving industry. It can
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create more of a public interest, which can influence more bright minds to pursue the field.

However, fully supporting artificial intelligence can also present some detrimental consequences.

The true final result of a robot influenced society is still greatly debated. Scientists are

implementing a Utilitarianism ethical framework which justifies negative outcomes as long as

their actions create more good than harm. Much like a General ordering his men into battle,

casualties can be overlooked as long as the mission is completed. Would society hold the

General responsible for such actions? Malfunctions are not common, but they can still occur. A

widespread malfunction can destroy our way of life. The security risks are vast. Privacy would

be all but eliminated as monitoring would reach an all-time high. Hackers could take over robots

and command tasks. Cybercrime could greatly increase. There have already been reports of

hackers gaining control over home devices in a strangers house, spying on children asleep in

their cribs- even disabling security locks (Craig, 2015). By giving scientists our full support,

we would also need to trust that the technology can eliminate or at least minimize these potential

outcomes.

My views on artificial intelligence follow the Utilitarianism ethical framework. With all

risks calculated, supporting scientists to experiment with artificial intelligence would be in our

best interest as a society. Mistakes will happen, and jobs will be lost. However, the benefits of a

perfected system heavily outweigh the potential risks. Imagine a world where one could receive

a complicated surgical procedure with perfect execution, cars that drive you to and from work

without a risk of an accident, and wars without human casualties are just a few examples of how

vastly robots can influence society for the better. The job market would not be eliminated; the

market would just encourage society to pursue more technical areas of study. This dramatic shift

in technology could also create new jobs and even completely new job categories. The fear of
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running out of employment opportunities is unrealistic and exaggerated. It is the unknown that

seems to be the most frightening to the general public. The end result of artificial intelligence

can be debated. However, the debate about a competition between robots and humans can be

disregarded. As of today, scientists are building practical machines designed specifically to

complete practical tasks. That can all change as technology advances. Ultimately, the people

will have the right to shift the market. For example, if a human doctor performs surgery better

than a robot doctor, the human doctor will take the jobs away from companies that employ

robots. The competition will only bring out the best in society and consumers would be the

ultimate winners. The thought of robots taking away all jobs from humans, just doesnt make

much sense in our capital market. A robot burger flipper is useless if no one can afford the

burger. This is a case of a basic supply versus demand argument. Those who adapt can find

lucrative and critical positions for employment. Some mistakes will occur in the upcoming years

as scientists test the abilities and limits of machines. The negative effects of these risks can be

vast, but ultimately the good will outweigh the bad.

In reality, we have no system in place to ban the usage of robots worldwide. Even

limiting the development of machines can be quite challenging. Independent studies will

continue and monitoring these studies would require vast spending of tax dollars. In the United

States, we must instead use these tax dollars on additional funding in an effort to provide

researchers with all necessary tools. Doing so, would greatly reduce malfunctions and minimize

cyber security risks. With the introduction of machines in warfare worldwide, limiting our

scientists could prove to be a costly mistake. The artificial intelligence implementation is

occurring regardless of fears expressed by the general public. We must stay competitive

globally. Setbacks can negatively impact our economy as our technological goods face the
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possibility of being inferior in comparison to other goods produced around the world. Such a

setback can result in more job losses than any artificial intelligence implementation.

Ethical arguments will always be flawed due to assumptions and biases that underlie the

decision. With my computer science background, I have assumed that machines will without a

doubt advance humanity. I have read numerous articles that support evidence for both blue

collar workers and scientists. However, I have not personally spoken to a blue collar worker to

truly understand their fears and concerns. On the contrary, I have grown up in a household full

of engineers and computer majors. Recently, we had a conversation about artificial intelligence

that addressed the few minor concerns I had with machines taking over human jobs. That

conversation effectively confirmed and strengthened my views. In the process, it may have also

eliminated my ability to truly commit to remaining unbiased. I grew up in an upper class

household, I never faced the issues and struggles of the lower middle class workers. Without a

first-hand experience on the subject, my views and opinions could be tainted.

Robots should greatly enhance the human experience. However, ignoring the concerns

brought on by blue collar workers could be very costly to humanity. An argument can be made

that blue collar workers are not completely rejecting artificial intelligence. They are simply

asking to proceed with caution. While I oppose the idea of limiting the advancement of robots,

requiring more extensive testing of these machines could be a mutually beneficial agreement for

both stakeholders. Implementing these laws could be a lengthy process, but it is a request worth

looking into. Even the idea of completely rejecting robots can provide some benefits. Some

may argue that even today, our lives are too dependent on machines and computers. As

technology advances, humanity will have to determine the cutoff point.

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Although my background is in computer science, I do not possess any real knowledge of

robots. My assumptions are based on personal experiences that may or may not be correct. My

views are formed by my own interest in artificial intelligence. The truth is, no one really knows

how smart robots can become. Small doses of artificial intelligence can be a great experience for

humans. Machines have the ability to make life easier and more efficient for us. In the present

day, this dependency does not cause any concerning threats to our lives. That can all change

when/if robots surpass humans in intelligence. A case of a disobedient robot can be truly

detrimental to our efforts. Science is currently creating robots that can think and learn as they

process information, much like a human. A robot could decide that a certain order may not be in

the best interest of itself or humanity. No one can really predict a feasible outcome, should such

a situation arise.

Even with all the risks, it is logical to support the creation and advancement of artificial

intelligence. Scientists have stay committed to vigorous testing of all the robots and automations

they have created. There hasnt been any evidence of negligence to prove any legitimate

concern. Even if we fail, the study that is being done can result in breakthrough discoveries in

areas completely outside of artificial intelligence. The pursue of knowledge has never impacted

humanity negatively. Should a situation arise where robots disobey humans, it is logical to

believe that the scientists who built them, will also have the ability to stop them. Robots will not

only improve our way of life; they will also revitalize our dormant economy. With that, new

jobs will be available for anyone who is willing to learn new skills. Machines cannot be solely

blamed for losses in jobs. Advancements have always made certain jobs obsolete while creating

new opportunities in the process. The general public will always fear the unknown. With proper

information, it is likely that we will soon understand just how great artificial intelligence can be.
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The world should be more accepting of new ideas instead of fearing them. Without change,

nothing ever changes.

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References

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s-first-self-driving-fleet-arrives-in-pittsburgh-this-month-is06r7on

Cho, A. (2016). Artificial Intelligence Steals Money from Banking Customers. Science.

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