The 'inconvenient truth' about artificial intelligence

IN 1941, Issac Asimov wrote the science fiction story Runaround about mining on other planets and the use of a robot with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. I think the Runaround story may be re-classified as non-fiction in the next 30 to 40 years.

The power of AI to transform the world is overwhelming: more efficient use of natural resources and environment regulation, better healthcare and food at lower cost, more equitable access to knowledge, the ability to explore our galaxy, improved communication, more leisure and entertainment.

At the same time, there are concerns about social inequity, loss of our humanity, privacy and employment, and fears about our ability to adapt and, perhaps most importantly, fear of abuse.