Artificial intelligence has always been an integral part of our dreams of a better future. As early as the 1950s and 1960s, sci-fi novels and shows included intelligent robots and machines in their plotline. Isaac Asimov was one of the writers who made the rules of ethics of robots and intelligent machines known from the public through his sci-fi novels and stories, in I, Robot – which isn’t related to the 2004 film with Will Smith.
3 Laws Of Robotics
The Three Laws of Robotics are the following:
- A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
- A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
- A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws.
While these laws were first devised for the purpose of writing, they have had a significant influence on the development of artificial intelligence. Indeed, AI robotic and technology is equipped to understand and follow The Three Laws. However, there is a law that Asimov forgot to add and that concerns individuals who cannot function like a full-bodied human being. It is a priority for AI to give them the best chance of a normal lifestyle. This is how it translates to the businesses:
It’s given a machine to people with disabilities
It might seem strange to demand that Ai should target people with mobility issues or a with a handicap as a priority. However, when you consider the way people use their common AI tools and gadgets, there is no denying that the AI in your pocket serves a greater purpose than looking up the meaning of an unknown word. Voice assistants such as Siri on the iPhone have proven helpful for the blind community as well as individuals in a wheelchair. Being in a position to call contacts, write text messages, make appointments, or even start an online search by using only your voice is a life-changer for disabled people.
What’s the potential for a startup?
However, while AI is already everywhere, there is still a huge potential for tech startups to help and make it more accessible. Indeed, everyday AI tools need to be built into ergonomic devices that someone with limited mobility, a missing limb, or even severe arthritis can handle. In other words, the typical smartphone shape isn’t ideal. However, building a new case that suits their needs might require additional protection for the electronics within, something such as using lpm services for low-pressure molding as part of your design becomes crucial. For startups, there’s a lot of potential in working together with smartphone companies to create an accessible alternative of their devices.
AI gives independence to those who need it
In everyday life, AI devices can also help the disabled community to maintain their independence at home. Smart tech can dramatically transform interactions within the home, allowing people to get on with their lives without needing the help of a nurse. While it might not give you back legs or eyes, it can sort out a lot of your household needs, from managing the temperature to sorting out your groceries with a smart fridge. The question is: How can businesses make smart homes even more accessible to those who rely on AI to stay independent?
Can AI give you movement too?
Science has made some tremendous discoveries, allowing people with reduced mobility to regain some movements in their arms or hands, for instance. However, it’s nowhere near to curing paralysis. But, what it can do, though, is to support wheelchair users and anybody with a prosthesis with self-moving intelligence. Indeed, introducing AI into a mobility device can dramatically improve movement. Using eye movement as an indicator, for instance, the wheelchair can define the best itinerary.
AI helps people to regain cognitive abilities
Artificial intelligence doesn’t do miracles. It can’t activate muscles that have lost their mobility. Similarly, it can’t give an individual additional cognitive skills. However, for patients with dementia, AI robots can assist caregivers and help patients stay in their home for as long as possible. Providing a reassuring company to the patients and answering repeated questions without losing their temper are some of the key roles for AI robots. More importantly, the development of robotics enables engineers to create friendly and entertaining machines that, with a facial recognition feature, could act as a trusted friend for the elderly. Indeed, loneliness increases the symptoms of dementia.
Artificial intelligence has been a part of human history for several decades. At first, it existed in sci-fi novels only. But the reality is finally catching up on fiction, creating AI machines that can transform lives for the better. For tech startups, now’s the time to make the world mobility- and handicap-friendly through AI solutions.