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The “Idiots” Corner by “Billy Bob Smith” Artificial Intelligence (AI) “The development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race.” Stephen Hawking “I visualize a time when we will be to robots what dogs are to humans, and I’m rooting for the machines.” Claude Shannon Okay, now it’s my turn. “If robots, machines, and computer devices keep eliminating the need for human intelligence, creativity, effort, and interaction with others - we are all screwed.” Billy Bob You may not be aware of it, but organizations investing in AI exceed investment today in medical research, human potential, creative expression, and so many other human areas. Why? Well, these folks believe one day humans will be obsolete. As we end another year, it’s time for all of us “idiots” to wake up and take back our lives. We need to start making more “real” friends and keeping “real” friends. Stay connected with our families, customers, and employees - and not just with texts, e-mails, and any other “tech” strategies you are using. Let me give you a few industries which someday may, could, or will eliminate the need for us all. But first, do you really want heart surgery by a robot? Do you want your next child delivered by a robot? Do you want your next traffic ticket given to you by a robot? Do you want your next meal served in a restaurant by a robot? Okay, I’ll go over the edge here - do you want to go on a date with a robot? A whopping 80% of enterprises are investing today in AI, but one in three business leaders believe their company will need to invest more over the next 36 months to keep pace with competitors. The industries where respondents expect to see the most impact from AI are information technology and tele- coms (59%); business and professional services (43%); and customer services and financial services tied for third (32%). Let me save you some time and research. Don’t for a minute think it’s only the farming, automotive, or manufacturing industries look- ing at and investing in AI. How about lodg- ing, food preparation, medical research. Think about it. Just a few years ago, if you wanted money out of your bank, you had to talk to someone. Now, it’s just a machine, mobile app, computer program, and soon it might just be a thought. Don’t believe me? Don’t think that someday we won’t have chips inserted into our brains to make money transfers, pay our bills, or order dinner? Come on, what can’t your Amazon lady not do these days? Start your car? Turn off the lights? Tell your kids to go to bed? Tell your spouse to l isten to you? Tel l your employees to get with the program or tell your customers to pay this week or else? I am not against technology, but let me be clear: If we keep going in the direction we are today, there will come a time when we won’t need schools, churches, restau- rants, hospitals, or even gas stations. Let me ask you - is there some important area of your life that in the past five years has been replaced or modified, and not always in a good way, with a machine? Don’t think in the next five years there might not be another important area of your life which will also be replaced, eliminated, or negatively impacted? Yes, these machines can make some areas of life better, easier, faster, etc. but - listen, dude - the more freedom, creativity, thinking, imagination, and innovation you give up to a device that needs a battery - beware - and be warned. Billy Bob michele@ worldwidedrillingresource.com 55 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® DECEMBER 2018