Chapter 363 Advantages and Threats

Chapter 363 Advantages and Threats

Chapter 363 Advantages and Threats

the next day.

The sky is slightly bright.

Amid the sound of cicadas, more than a dozen Panshi cars filed out of the underground garage exit of the Hailufeng Group's headquarters.

However, these cars did not travel together, but were divided into four groups heading in two directions. One direction was heading to Haifeng County, and the other group was heading to Jiesheng Town in Honghai Bay.

Jiang Miao was in one of the cars.

He closed his eyes, leaned back in his chair, and thought about something.

More than an hour later.

His convoy arrived at a medical research base in Jiesheng Town.

Jiesheng Town Medical Research Center is the name of this research base, which is built on a hill in the middle of a durian plantation.

The convoy did not park outside the base, but went directly into the base's underground parking lot and then took the elevator up from the underground parking lot.

In fact, the buildings and facilities on the surface of this base are indeed a place for studying general medicine, while the real confidential area is built inside the hill.

The area he took the elevator to was the confidential area.

As soon as he got out of the elevator, he saw Wang Lifeng and others who had just arrived at Shanmei yesterday, as well as Li Qiurong, the scientific research director of this confidential area.

"Academician Jiang!"

"boss!"

"Good morning, everyone!" Jiang Miao nodded slightly to everyone: "Let's chat inside!"

"Okay." Wang Lifeng and Jiang Miao walked side by side.

Jiang Miao stopped at the corridor outside a laboratory and saw some of the conditions inside through the observation window of the laboratory.

Li Qiurong quietly introduced: "Boss, this is the first gene editing laboratory, which specializes in gene editing work for cloning eyeballs."

“How many functions can be realized now?”

Hearing his boss's question, Li Qiurong answered truthfully: "At present, we can only realize infrared eyes, magnetic field eyes, and telescopic eyes separately. There is no way to integrate them."

Jiang Miao was not surprised by this: "What about the signal transmission of the cloned eyes?"

"There has not been much progress in this area of ​​research, mainly because the human visual nervous system is not well matched to these artificial eyeballs. Several test subjects experienced visual loss or image asynchrony during the test."

The subjects of this base were all provided by Wang Lifeng, a total of 100 people.

Of course, the safety of this experimental test is relatively good. No human body modification is performed on the subjects. Instead, nanotube sensors are implanted in the subjects' head nervous systems.

These implanted nanotube sensors convert and transmit signals through electronic devices, so that the image signals seen by the cloned eyeballs can be transmitted to the human brain, thus realizing the concept of external eyeballs.

These implanted nanotube sensors are removable. It is not that they cannot be removed after implantation. Moreover, removal is not difficult and will not cause irreversible physiological damage to the subjects.

After all, Jiang Miao set the tone for Project No. 33 from the very beginning, which was the external biological assistance system.

As the name suggests, this external biological assistance system does not require direct modification of the human body, at least not major modifications.

The biological ascension envisioned by Jiang Miao cannot be accomplished in a short period of time. If we hastily modify human genes without sufficient technical accumulation and experimental data, the risks involved will be difficult to avoid.

"Let's stick with this direction!" Jiang Miao didn't say anything like "rushing" because they still had a backup plan:
"What about the color-changing cell film project?"

Li Qiurong immediately replied: "The progress of this project is quite good. We have edited a customized color-changing cell film that can change color according to specific neural signals."

"Go and see."

Led by Li Qiurong, the group came to the corridor outside another laboratory.

Soon they saw what are called color-changing cell films.

This thing will look colorful, like a color block pattern used to check for color blindness.

After several researchers connected this film to a simulated neural signal device, various changes soon began to appear on the surface of the film.

First there are monochromatic tones of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and purple, and then there are patterns with various color combinations.

As the researchers adjusted the patterns, they became more and more detailed, until finally something like a miniature camera image appeared.

"Not bad, but it needs to be tested in conjunction with those cloned eyeballs."

Li Qiurong nodded slightly: "We plan to start the combination experiment next month."

Jiang Miao thought about it and reminded: "If it is difficult to realize a cloned eye with multiple functions, you can consider using multiple eyes. Anyway, cloned eyes can be made relatively small. By integrating several cloned eyes and switching modes, you may be able to come up with a practical product as soon as possible."

He said this, of course, not because he was anxious, but because he was considering the pressure from Wang Lifeng. After all, the other party had encountered a lot of resistance in promoting this project. Coming up with practical results as soon as possible could reduce the pressure on Wang Lifeng.

Li Qiurong assured confidently: "Boss, please rest assured that we are confident that we will come up with a practical result by the end of this year."

Jiang Miao had no doubt about this.

The main thing is that it does not need to be implanted in the human body, which greatly reduces the difficulty.

This allows researchers to modify organisms to their heart's content without worrying about ethical issues.

The current first version of the plan.

It is to design a helmet-type biological assistance system, and its functions are relatively simple.

The skeleton of the helmet is made of high-strength silicone foam material, and then filled with artificial plant cells and energy storage cells with high energy utilization efficiency. The functions of these designs are protection, photosynthetic energy supply, and biological energy storage.

Then the helmet also comes with specialized customized biological organs, such as multi-functional glasses.

The skeleton of the multifunctional glasses is made of silicone foam material, on which are integrated cloned eyeballs with multiple functions. Each eyeball is slightly larger than a fly. Multiple infrared eyes, magnetic field eyes, and telescopic eyes can be integrated on it, and then connected to the lenses made of color-changing cell films through the nervous system.

In this way, plant cells supply energy through photosynthesis, and functional organs provide various functions, making this set of biological auxiliary system equipment initially practical.

Wang Lifeng, who was standing by, had also been paying close attention to the research progress over the past few months.

From the laboratory reports, he was able to summarize several advantages of the biological assisted system.

First, it has a high degree of self-sustaining ability. If we only consider some low-energy auxiliary functions, such as infrared eyes and magnetic field eyes, this set of biological equipment can be completely self-sufficient and does not require additional energy supplements.

Second, the service life of the biological assisted system is very long, which can reach more than ten years.

The third is anti-electromagnetic interference.

Fourth, biological equipment can be easily miniaturized. Fifth, it is easy to produce.

This final ease of production is a relative concept.

The easy production of biological equipment is mainly reflected in the fact that it can be replicated in large quantities through cloning while keeping the parent plant, and its raw materials are various proteins, sugars, starches, cellulose, oils, vitamins and minerals.

With the biotechnology currently mastered by Hailufeng Group, all kinds of raw materials for producing biological equipment can be produced through indoor farms.

Compared with the production of electronic equipment and mechanical equipment, the production chain is much shorter.

For example, the entire production process of electronic equipment is too complicated and requires a large number of precision instruments and high-purity dust-free workshops. The requirements for various raw materials are also very stringent.

Once a problem occurs in any link of the production of electronic equipment, it is almost impossible to remedy it in a short period of time.

To a certain extent, biological equipment is a type of equipment with relatively low production conditions, which is more suitable for use in nuclear war environments and also suitable for use in doomsday environments.

The bio-assisted helmet is only the first product of the Jiesheng Town Medical Research Center, and other bio-assisted devices will definitely be researched in the future.

However, biologically assisted helmets are relatively easy to research, and various technologies are almost complete, which is why Jiang Miao chose this direction in the beginning.

In fact, biological assisted equipment has another advantage, that is, biological organisms have many functions that cannot be replaced by machines at present.

For example, the magnetic field eyes of the bio-assisted helmet.

This thing was inspired by the eyes of birds. Some birds' eyes can see magnetic lines of force.

In other words, many birds can actually see magnetic fields.

For example, pigeons, swallows, geese and other long-distance migratory birds can migrate across thousands of kilometers year after year. The reason why they can do this is not only because of the biological memory inherited from their genes, but also because of the ability to locate themselves through magnetic fields.

Humans themselves do not possess this ability.

At the same time, the various machines currently available to humans are also difficult to replicate.

Although humans can detect the Earth's magnetic field through artificial satellites in outer space, the magnetic field data detected by artificial satellites can only be used as a scientific research reference after various analyses and is difficult to use in daily work.

What's more, if the magnetic field data of artificial satellites is to be sent to individuals for use, it needs to be transmitted through the communication system, which poses the risk of interference and shielding.

Even if it can be used, it is difficult to make the device that can be carried with you very small.

Biological equipment does have inherent advantages in miniaturization and special functions.

For example, in the field of pheromone detection, the size and accuracy of biological equipment and mechanical equipment may differ by several orders of magnitude.

Led by Li Qiurong, Jiang Miao and Wang Lifeng took a tour around the base.

Then several people sat down in an office at the base.

"Lao Wang, how did you discuss the question I raised last time?"

Wang Lifeng was stunned at first, then he remembered what Jiang Miao said, and frowned: "Academician Jiang, after studying your previous reminder, we do feel that the risks are very high, but we also have great internal disagreements."

Li Qiurong poured tea for the two people silently without interrupting.

"I think you should be very clear about the risks of artificial intelligence. Today's AI technology is advancing too fast, and many AIs have already reached the level of intermediate artificial intelligence."

Wang Lifeng explained with a headache: "I am also very worried about this, but some people think that we should not throw the baby out with the bathwater."

"We cannot throw the baby out with the bathwater, which does not mean leaving it alone. For example, many private companies are now working on AI, and it is difficult for us to grasp their specific progress. Once they develop strong artificial intelligence and cannot control it, and let strong artificial intelligence escape into the Internet, the consequences will be disastrous."

"what do you mean?"

Jiang Miao expressed some of his own ideas: "All enterprises and research institutions involved in the research and development of AI technology should be fully supervised. If intermediate artificial intelligence can meet the requirements of production and life, then the research and development of advanced artificial intelligence should not be promoted as much as possible."

"Is that so? This is something we can consider." Wang Lifeng thought.

"In addition, I suggest that we start preparing for physical isolation from now on. Although my proposal is a bit against the trend, we cannot pin our hopes on the fact that strong artificial intelligence will not be born. Instead, we must make comprehensive preparations for the possibility that strong artificial intelligence will be born and get out of control."

Wang Lifeng could sense a strong sense of uneasiness and caution in Jiang Miao's words. He frowned and asked, "Academician Jiang, do you mean that the probability of strong artificial intelligence appearing in the future is very high?"

"Old Wang, do you know how much money the Asian Federation has invested in scientific research this year?"

“…” Wang Lifeng recalled, and suddenly cold sweat broke out on his forehead.

"It seems you have realized the problem."

Wang Lifeng stood up and walked back and forth in front of the two people, his face becoming more and more conflicted and solemn.

He was awakened by Jiang Miao's reminder.

You have to know that there is a huge difference between the investment in scientific research in the Platinum Age and the Golden Age. Although the investment of so many financial resources may not necessarily produce results, as long as one percent of the projects achieve results, that is an extremely terrifying number.

In other words, the Asian community is now on the eve of a technological explosion.

It only takes about five to fifteen years for those financial resources to be transformed into relevant results by scientific researchers.

Counting from 2028, this year is the third year of the Platinum Age, and there are only about two and a half years left before the five-year period of explosive growth in results.

When Wang Lifeng and other colleagues discussed the threats of artificial intelligence, the speed of technological development they substituted was actually data from the late golden age, which was completely different from the data from the platinum age.

When he invested the current scientific research funds into the data and substituted them into the relevant models, he found that the previously estimated time for the emergence of strong artificial intelligence might be advanced by about 20 years.

Previously, they predicted that strong artificial intelligence might be born around 2060.

At this point in time, it is around 2040.

And this year is 2030, and there are less than 10 years left.

This time, Wang Lifeng really couldn't sit still anymore.

At this moment, he was even more wary of the threat of artificial intelligence than Jiang Miao.

He looked at Jiang Miao solemnly: "Academician Jiang, thank you very much for your reminder. I will go back and study this matter again as soon as possible."

Jiang Miao stared at Wang Lifeng with deep eyes: "You're welcome. Although I am a scientist, I am also a human being first. The current technological development is too fast, and I don't want to see humans being destroyed by their own creations one day."

Wang Lifeng clenched his fists heavily: "It is very necessary to restrict artificial intelligence now, and it is also very necessary to adopt physical isolation measures, such as power grid systems, industrial production sites, and transportation systems. We can no longer promote networking. If uncontrollable factors occur, we may be caught off guard."

The two discussed for a while.

Wang Lifeng said goodbye in a hurry and rushed back to the capital without stopping.

(End of this chapter)