Brief

<p>Mr. Joe Brown, Editor-in-chief of Popular Science, hosted a session on the legacy of the 21st century, in particular Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Universal Basic Income (UBI) programs. Cade Metz, Leading Artificial Intelligence Journalist at WIRED Magazine, Elizabeth Rhodes, Basic Income Research Director at Y Combinator, and Jonathan Matus, CEO of Zendrivewere on the panel. The session sought to highlight the possible social effects of these technologies and programs, and to discuss expectations. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Brown started the discussion by focusing on Vertical AI, which he considered to be a close reality with technologies such as self-driving trucks. Being deeply involved in this sector, Matus explained that several factors will determine how long it will take for us to start using these technologies. He said financial interest will play a big role, noting that $168 billion could potentially be saved. However, the expenses of deploying these technologies could be a disincentive. How people solve complexities is another factor. For example, self-driving trucks could be used for highways and human drivers for urban roads. A third factor is popular resistance by individuals or unions. When pressed by Brown to give a time estimate for the implementation of these technologies, Matus estimated two years for commercial use and five years for market adoption by big corporations. Cade Metz also commented on the issue, saying AI technologies could help fill market needs, such as the current need for truckers in the US. &ldquo;These technologies can complement what humans do&hellip; it&rsquo;s not necessarily a replacement.&rdquo; However, he hesitated to give a timeline, saying one big accident could set progress back significantly.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Brown then shifted the discussion toward UBI programs. Rhodes explained that while the idea is not new, it is being implemented in several ways today with positive outcomes in various sectors. She added that the traditional metric used for social welfare programs, namely the effect of these programs on labor and productivity, may no longer apply in the age of AI where productivity is increased with fewer labor hours. Metz commended Rhodes&rsquo; work but warned that many economists fear UBI could harm the economy on the long term. &ldquo;It gives you the time that you need to plan the next move. In another respect it gives you time to do nothing,&rdquo; he said,calling for more focus on education. As for Matus, he warned of possible social unrest on the short term as a result of inequality due to disruptive technologies. In this regard Brown asked Rhodes if UBI can limit inequality and would be beneficiaries be stigmatized. She explained that basic income would constitute a right and a safety net that allows people to take risks and face the coming changes. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Brown concluded the session by asking the three speakers for advice. Metz warned that regulating AI technologies could limit their progress and Matus warned against taking the human element out of the equation. As for Rhodes, she called for readiness, asking for more studies and research on coming challenges and their solutions.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

Speakers

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