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The roots of artificial intelligence can be traced back to ancient history where myths and stories often depicted artificial beings created by humans. However, modern AI began its official chapter in the 20th century. In 1950, Alan Turing introduced the idea of machines capable of mimicking human cognition, along with the famous Turing Test, a method to evaluate a machine's ability to exhibit intelligent behavior equivalent to, or indistinguishable from, that of a human.

The field of AI was formally established in 1956 at the Dartmouth Conference, organized by John McCarthy, Marvin Minsky, Nathaniel Rochester, and Claude Shannon. This pivotal moment launched decades of research aimed at understanding and constructing intelligent entities.

The 1960s and 70s witnessed early AI programs demonstrating tasks such as language translation and simple pattern recognition. Researchers built systems that solved algebra problems, proved logical theorems, and played games like chess.

However, these early ambitions faced practical challenges. The limitations of computing power, the complexity of human intelligence, and the scarcity of data created obstacles, leading to the period known as the "AI winter" during the late 1970s and 1980s. During this time, both funding and interest in AI research declined.

The tide turned in the late 1980s and 1990s with the advent of expert systems, designed to solve complex problems by mimicking human decision-making. Meanwhile, the rise of machine learning techniques started gaining traction, allowing systems to improve through experience rather than explicit programming.

AI research blossomed in the 21st century, driven by exponential increases in computational power, the rise of big data, and advancements in algorithms. Neural networks and deep learning techniques revolutionized fields like computer vision and natural language processing. These advancements culminated in AI's integration into everyday life through products like Apple's Siri, Amazon's Alexa, and Google Assistant.

Today, AI continues to push the boundaries with innovations like autonomous vehicles, advanced robotics, and personalized medicine. The ongoing development of AI promises to reshape industries, create new opportunities, and pose ethical questions for society to address.

AI's journey is a testament to human curiosity and the relentless pursuit of understanding intelligence. It stands as one of the most transformative technologies of our time, setting the stage for a future where AI and humans collaborate in unprecedented ways.

Where we are going next?

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) refers to AI systems that possess the ability to understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a vast range of tasks, mimicking the cognitive capabilities of a human being. Unlike narrow AI, which excels in specific domains, AGI would be capable of generalising knowledge and skills, enabling it to solve novel problems and adapt to new situations with human-like flexibility.

We are currently at the doorstep of this next leap in AI, concentrating on understanding and replicating complex cognitive processes. Achieving AGI involves advances in areas such as deep learning, neural networks, and computational neuroscience. The journey involves not just enhancing computational power but understanding consciousness, creativity, and emotional intelligence.

Artificial Superintelligence (ASI), on the other hand, represents a stage beyond AGI where AI dramatically surpasses human intelligence in all aspects—from creativity to problem-solving, emotional intelligence to social interaction. ASI carries with it both a wealth of opportunities for solving complex global challenges and significant ethical considerations regarding control, safety, and alignment with human values.

As we edge towards these horizons, interdisciplinary research, ethical stewardship, and international collaboration become paramount. The excitement of AGI and ASI is coupled with the responsibility to ensure these technologies are developed safely and for the benefit of all humanity, addressing paramount concerns like job displacement, economic inequality, and moral decision-making.

While AGI and ASI still reside in the speculative and future-focused chapters of AI development, they empower our imagination and fuel crucial conversations about the symbiotic future of humans and machines.

Now, about those myths!

The Golem of Prague

In Jewish folklore, the Golem is a creature made from clay or mud, brought to life by magical incantations and Hebrew inscriptions. The most well-known story centers around the Golem of Prague, created by Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel in the 16th century. The Golem was intended to protect the Jewish community, but as the tale goes, it eventually became uncontrollable, illustrating the theme of creation beyond the creator's control.

Pygmalion and Galatea

A tale from Greek mythology, Pygmalion was a sculptor who fell in love with a statue he had carved. Moved by his devotion, Aphrodite, the goddess of love, breathed life into the statue, transforming it into a living woman named Galatea. This myth explores themes of love, creation, and the blurred lines between art and reality.

Da Vinci’s Automata

Leonardo da Vinci, the quintessential Renaissance man, reportedly designed several mechanical devices resembling human figures, often referred to as automata. These mechanical constructs were not only artistic marvels but also demonstrations of early engineering that stirred imaginations about the possibilities of human-like creations.

Talos from Greek Mythology

Talos was a giant bronze automaton crafted to protect the island of Crete. Created by the god Hephaestus, Talos circled the island three times daily to ward off invaders. This myth highlights themes of guardianship and the blend of human craftsmanship with divine intervention.

Frankenstein’s Monster

Although originating from literature rather than ancient myth, Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" has become a modern myth. It tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a sentient being from assembled body parts. This tale delves into the morality of creation, the responsibilities of a creator, and the boundaries of human knowledge.

Yanshi and His Mechanical Servant

In ancient Chinese lore, the engineer Yanshi is said to have presented an artificial human to King Mu of Zhou. This mechanical figure could sing and move like a real person. The story is one of the earliest examples of robots in mythology and elucidates the ingenuity and craftsmanship of past cultures.

Pandora’s Box

Originating from Greek mythology, Pandora was the first human woman created by the gods, specifically Zeus, as a form of punishment for humanity. Given a box that she was instructed never to open, Pandora’s curiosity led her to release all the evils into the world, leaving only hope inside. This tale illustrates the themes of curiosity, temptation, and the unforeseen consequences of creation.

Hephaestus's Automatons

The Greek god of fire and forge, Hephaestus, was said to have crafted lifelike automatons to assist him in his workshop, including golden handmaidens who could speak and complete tasks. These mythical creations underscore the age-old fascination with sentient machines and divine craftsmanship.

Vulcan’s Pre-Kaleidoscopic Robots

An Etruscan myth tells of the god Vulcan who created robotic ambushes, or full mechanised army regiments, made of golden warriors designed to protect sacred treasures. These were said to be invincible and ever-vigilant, reflecting early imaginations of automated defence systems.

The Brazen Head

In European medieval legend, the Brazen Head was a prophetic automaton, often attributed to philosophers like Roger Bacon or Albertus Magnus. It was believed that this talking head could answer any question, serving as an oracle or source of immense knowledge, a precursor to modern AI's quest for understanding and information retrieval.

The Homunculus

In alchemical tradition, the homunculus is a tiny, artificially created human, often concocted through mystical processes involving biological materials. Alchemists in medieval Europe believed this small, human-like creature could be created through magical means, symbolizing man's attempt to replicate divine creation.

The Sacred Tablets and the Terracotta Army

While not directly an artificial being, the Terracotta Army of China's First Emperor Qin Shi Huang stands as an incredible feat of artistry and creation. It's said that each soldier in this army is unique, crafted to accompany the emperor in the afterlife. The legend behind these figures carries whispers of animated protectors, turning stone into lifelike presences.

The Sandman and Other Animated Figures

In various European folklore, figures like the Sandman are said to animate inanimate objects. The Sandman himself is a mythical character who sprinkles sand in the eyes of children to bring sleep and dreams. In adjacent legends, animated brooms or household objects perform tasks, an early imagining of robotics and automation.

Echo and Narcissus

While more of a story about transformation and consequences, the myth of Echo and Narcissus explores themes of creation in terms of sound and image reflection. Echo, punished to only repeat the words of others, becomes a non-human existence through transformation, challenging concepts about autonomous thought and response.

The Egyptian Shabti Dolls

In ancient Egypt, shabti dolls were placed in tombs among the grave goods as servants for the deceased in the afterlife. These figures were believed to magically come to life and work for the tomb owner, showcasing an early human desire for lifelike companion creations.

Anhilotomy

This term comes from the Zoroastrian texts, where Anhilotomy refers to artificial life created through spiritual and mystical means. The beings, crafted by divine forces, were said to transcend ordinary life, merging spirituality with artifice.

The Beings from Lilliput

While more known as a literary tale from Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels," the Lilliputians are tiny people who appear almost artificial in their intricate society and mechanized lifestyle. They represent a microcosm of creation reflecting larger human societal structures.

Nehushtan

This biblical object, a bronze serpent mounted on a pole, is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as a protector or healer. While not a being, its purpose and construction give it a life-like, agency-filled role. It is thought that people believed it possessed divine powers, animating an otherwise lifeless artifact.

The Chess Player Automaton

Known as The Turk, this 18th-century mechanical device was constructed to play chess against human players. It was designed to appear as an automaton with intelligent capabilities, although it was later revealed that a human chess master was hidden inside, manipulating the machine—a clever interplay of perceived artificial intelligence.

The Silver Warriors of Kušila

Ancient Hindu mythology speaks of the creation of metal warriors to protect sacred ground from invaders. These warriors possessed the strength and imperviousness of metal, brought to life by divine craftsman Visvakarman the architect, serving as sentinels of deity lands.

The Apsara Robots of Ajanta

Cast from Indian mythology, these mythical beings were created in the celestial heavens. They were believed to be heavenly dancers crafted with incomparable beauty and grace, serving the gods. Though not mechanical, their conception reflects artistry intertwined with divine creation.

The Angelic Golems of Soloman

Rooted in Jewish and Islamic mysticism, this myth speaks of King Solomon, who is said to have owned a ring that allowed him to command not just demons but also entities akin to golems—beings capable of executing mighty tasks, constructing the famous Temple of Solomon.

Odin’s Mead-Communication Birds

Created by the Norse god Odin, a pair of ravens named Huginn and Muninn were considered to be extensions of his consciousness, flying across the world to gather information and relay it telepathically—a myth mirroring intelligent communication devices existing in a legendary timeframe.

The Fairy-Doll Tale

In various Slavic folktales, witches were said to craft tiny dolls imbued with life to serve as spies or messengers. These enchanted automatons blended the boundaries between magical and mechanical, reflecting the perennial fascination surrounding life-like creations.

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