Brave new world?

The year 2017 saw artificial intelligence (AI) bring science fiction closer by gaining a foothold in most spheres of life and getting the better of humans across the board.

Machines beat humans in complex games and the number of medical applications soared as well as industrial applications where decisions depend on large-scale data analysis.

In London, an AI system can solve crimes by analysing clues and finding links which are beyond the scope of our frequently cognitive-biased police.

An Ai-powered search tool from India allows lawyers to browse through millions of records and find the most relevant results in seconds.

Sophia, a Hong Kong designed humanoid robot, was even granted citizenship in Saudi Arabia.

In fact, now that aim a chines can be programmed to improve their own performance and can get better results than humans when given the same resources, it’s difficult to see any routine occupation they cannot replace. (REV DR) JOHN CAMERON

Howard Place, St Andrews