Is this AI tech cool or creepy?

Have your say in today’s poll on four ways AI is changing the world today.

Before I started studying my Masters degree in Artificial Intelligence & Data Science I thought I was pretty clued up on different ways AI is being used in daily life — from Amazon’s helpful (?) suggestions of what I might like to buy to Siri’s always on guidance. But I keep uncovering new ways this tech is changing the world right now and I’d love to know whether you think these are cool or creepy.

Check out the four stories below on the robot revolution that’s going on right now and then click on your choice in the poll above to vote for which tech you think is creepy.

1. This recent episode of The Gadget Show on Channel Five showcased new ways AI is invading our lives. In the last 15 minutes of the show there’s a fascinating segment showing robots, driven by AI, picking orders for Ocado. The irrepressible little wheelie boxes zip about all day and night selecting the products to fulfil orders and they’ll even team up to help each other get the more inaccessible goods. They need more development to be able to pack bags with human-like dexterity but it won’t be long before they master that too. They look cute, but what about the people whose jobs they’re replacing?

2. Then there’s Relativity Space where, as you read this, they are 3D printing rockets which, in the not too distant future, could be made by robots. The robots could be fired up into space, land on a planet, gather new raw material and build themselves new rockets from which to travel further into space. Can we trust these intergalactic ambassadors to represent our interests when they are out there beyond our control?

3. It’s extraordinary how a few people have grabbed the “influencer” badge and made themselves $millions. Now AI is getting in on the act with entirely virtual influencers being created that “wear” top brand products and earn their creators a fortune. They already have millions of followers but will these flawless, eternally young creations kick yet more holes in the self-esteem of real, flawed humans?

4. Finally, it’s the turn of our local authorities. This report from The Guardian found that 43% of Councils in England, Wales and Scotland have used algorithms to help make crucial decisions about who gets support. We already know that AI tools like this can be biased or simply not good enough to take these sensitive, high-impact decisions but if implemented well, AI can augment or even improve decision-making. So would you trust an algorithm to decide who gets help and who doesn’t?

Now you’ve read about some of the tech that’s with us today, it’s your turn to vote for what AI ideas give you the creeps and I’ll keep hunting out other stories of AI in action to share with you.