Written in partnership with Mae Cornes
Credit: Nam Kim
Traditional artificial intelligence (AI) models classify information or predict future outcomes based on historical patterns by learning from existing data. These models effectively filter email spam, classify images, and forecast time series. For instance, traditional AI predicts house prices based on specific features and locations or forecast sales and demand using historical data.
Despite their effectiveness, traditional AI systems follow predefined rules and tasks. They cannot create new content or adapt to new, unforeseen situations. This limitation has led to the rise of generative AI, which produces new content, such as text, images, and videos, by learning from large datasets.
The Rise of Generative AI
Generative AI has gained significant attention for its ability to create new content and uncover complex hidden correlations within data. Unlike traditional AI, which focuses on pattern recognition, generative AI creates patterns excellently. This capability has made generative AI popular in various applications, generating personalized marketing content and simulating different scenarios for risk mitigation.
Nam Kim, CEO of Artificial Consciousness Technology (ACT), has led the integration of generative AI with traditional AI to create machines that exhibit human-like consciousness. His patented technology allows machines to process sensory inputs and translate them into human-like responses, including emotions and decision-making.
Bridging the Gap Between Human and Machine Cognition
Kim’s vision is to create machines that perform tasks and understand and react to human emotions and ethical considerations. “Our goal was to transcend traditional AI capabilities and bring machines closer to a human-like understanding of their environments and themselves,” Kim explains.
This level of sophistication could reform various fields, including healthcare, where AI could provide more personalized care, and automotive technology, where vehicles might one day understand and adapt to the emotional state of their occupants.
Addressing Global AI Concerns
The rapid advancement of AI has sparked global concerns about its potential misuse and the ethical implications of autonomous systems. Kim proposes solving these concerns by integrating a consciousness module into AI systems.
This module requires AI to process data from legal and ethical frameworks, such as the Constitution and civil and criminal laws, before taking action. “If we make AI think with language before performing any action, we certify that it behaves ethically and legally,” Kim asserts.
Kim’s method aims to mitigate fears about future harm caused by AI by making sure that AI systems behave responsibly and ethically. Despite the innovative potential of ACT’s technology, Kim has expressed frustration over the lack of attention from governments and AI experts. He has published articles and showcased the technology at events like the Consumer Electronics Show but feels that experts do not adequately recognize or research his solutions.
Challenges and Opportunities
While experts have notably recognized Kim’s technology, including the 2023 AI Excellence Award, widespread adoption faces hurdles. One major challenge is public perception; the idea of machines that can “think” and “feel” intrigues and concerns people. Translating this technology from a controlled environment to real-world applications presents substantial technical and regulatory challenges.
The potential, however, is enormous. AI’s ability to perform tasks and understand and react to humans’ emotional and psychological states could change personal devices, entertainment, and even mental health therapies.
“We are not just creating advanced machines; we are setting the foundation for how they interact with the world responsibly,” Kim comments. Guaranteeing that AI systems make ethical choices is paramount, especially as they become increasingly integrated into critical spheres like healthcare, transportation, and finance.
Moving Forward: Licensing Strategy
Kim is exploring the option of licensing ACT’s U.S. patent, a strategic move that generates revenue without the need for substantial capital investment in manufacturing and marketing. Licensing allows the patent holder to retain ownership while granting rights to another entity to use, develop, or sell the patented technology.
ACT should target companies with strong distribution channels and a vested interest in advanced AI technologies to secure successful licensing. Drafting a robust licensing agreement that outlines the scope, payment terms, and duration of the license is crucial. Engaging an intellectual property lawyer to negotiate and draft the licensing agreement is essential to address all legal and financial aspects thoroughly.
Nam Kim’s pioneering work in artificial consciousness represents a significant advancement in AI technology. Kim is dedicated to promoting the worldwide embrace of conscious AI to guarantee that AI systems act ethically and responsibly. This initiative seeks to alleviate concerns about potential future harm caused by AI.
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