The Longer-Term Evolution of AI and Robotics Technologies | Ep. 7

MIT Sloan CIO Symposium Online Series

In this episode, Irving Wladawsky-Berger joins Allan Tate to explore the long-term trajectory of AI and robotics. They revisit Rodney Brooks’ Seven Deadly Sins of AI Predictions, highlighting why AI forecasts often overestimate short-term progress but underestimate long-term transformation.

The discussion turns to self-driving cars, where Irving explains how the definition of "autonomy" has shifted—most deployed systems still require remote human oversight. He argues that smart infrastructure could have accelerated progress, but Allan counters with failed government projects like EV charging networks and high-speed rail, questioning whether government-led smart roads would have succeeded.

They also examine AI’s persistent challenges, including data quality, governance, computing power, and scaling AI beyond pilots. The conversation then shifts to AI’s future, referencing James Manyika’s 2050 Thought Experiment and key milestones for AI to become safe, beneficial, and trusted.

Irving emphasizes that while AI is advancing, governance, trust, and human-AI collaboration remain unresolved. The episode closes with reflections on AI’s economic impact on jobs, wages, and productivity.

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