What is Cybernetics?
‘Cybernetics’ is a Greek word which means ‘the art of steering’. It is used to elaborate future goals of any object by taking necessary intelligent actions to achieve that goal. The word was first defined and used by Norbert Wiener in 1948 as the title of his book. That book was about the study of control and communication in the animal and machines.
Later on, this word is often used in movies to define machines operating near to human behavior, robotics and biology. These kinds of machines are usually called as cyborg, which is a combination of neural and artificial systems. Machines of this nature are self-regulating human-machines dependent on few sensors, Artificial intelligence and control system feedback. Another term derived from it is cyberspace which relates closely with communication theory and signal processing.
What is the link of AI and Cybernetics?
For many years’ science fiction has projected us a picture of future where intelligent robot and cyborgs are part of human world. Few of very popular movies; The Terminator, The Matrix, Blade Runner and I, Robot are examples of that vision.
But in recent years, it is discussed a lot, how future will actually look alike because all those movies are science fiction, not scientific reality. However, now things have changed a lot, some of those fictions are turning into reality and story line of those movies are turning into ground reality.
To understand more consider some different experiments to link biology and technology together in a cybernetic way. It is also known as combination of humans and machines in a permanent manner ultimately. Considering robot as example, we first think of it as a machine which is operated by human or controlled using simple rule-based program.
But, lets think of a robot in different manner, what if robot has its own biological brain fabricated of brain cells, most probably similar neural network structure as human? Those neurons will grow up in laboratory conditions to develop neural network of robot controller using array of non-invasive electrodes. In result those robots will be able to think with their own brains which will not be very dissimilar to human brains.
Developing those systems will raise numerous ethical and social questions. For example, if robots have same number of neurons as humans, will they be equal to humans and got similar identity level as them? Or what if they have denser neural network, will they be making future decisions for human lives as well?
Examples of Cybernetics?
Despite the facts stated above there are some positive outcomes of cybernetics also. For example, using cybernetics in medical treatments are performing very well. Many computer interfaces are designed and used for therapeutic purposes to overcome neurological and medical problems, example of it is deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes, which are used to relieve Parkinson’s disease symptoms. Also, these systems are useable to provide intelligent assistance to human brains in order to boost up their brain productivity and efficient decision making. In some special cases, those persons who have suffered through spinal injuries due to some accidents will be able to regain control of their body parts by the help of these technologies. Its not only limited to one case, this human brain assistance technology is usable in controlling artificial legs used by disable personals.
Despite the facts stated above there are some positive outcomes of cybernetics also. For example, using cybernetics in medical treatments are performing very well. Many computer interfaces are designed and used for therapeutic purposes to overcome neurological and medical problems, example of it is deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes, which are used to relieve Parkinson’s disease symptoms. Also, these systems are useable to provide intelligent assistance to human brains in order to boost up their brain productivity and efficient decision making. In some special cases, those persons who have suffered through spinal injuries due to some accidents will be able to regain control of their body parts by the help of these technologies. Its not only limited to one case, this human brain assistance technology is usable in controlling artificial legs used by disable personals.
Meanwhile, patients suffering from stroke can get limited surroundings control, similar as motor neurone disease patients. As we can understand in those cases situation is not very straightforward, patients’ abilities are increased as compared to normal humans, for example they can move a cursor on computer screen by using neural signals.
Considering all details discussed above, it is pretty clear that connecting human brain with computer network thorough implant will be very beneficial for making complex intelligent decisions. Currently, each implant requires ethical approval from local authorities governing the hospital due to very risky operations and sensitivity of matter. But it is still under debate world wide to make it commercial and adaptable as per individual needs, it will surly opens up wide range of business in medical industry all over the world.
There are some other very popular applications of cybernetics which are under discussion. Driving car by wearing skullcap f electrodes without using steering wheel is one of those topics under research from so long but it still doesn’t seem realistic. Similar to that completely autonomous vehicles are under development to eliminate roles of human drivers, but recent deaths caused by self-driving cars, raised up many unanswered questions.
Conclusion:
Cybernetics is considered as the essential part of 4th industrial wave. Which is very much true because intelligent machines are going to change job descriptions in next 5 years. Every machine will be automated by using Artificial intelligence which will eventually reduce human effort and man force to perform daily tasks. Cybernetics will not only help in covering diseases, it will also generate number of amusements for public to feel the power of AI, for example controlling music playlist through MUSE devices, using VR to feel the concept of 7D videos and many more.
We cannot deny the fact that technology is good as well as bad for mankind but it all depends upon how we use it, how much control we shift on to machines, how much machines take decisions for us. If we setup few protocols all issues will be handled efficiently and AI will actually make this world a better place to live.
