The Truth Behind Artificial Intelligence | Andrew Zeitler | TEDxStMaryCSSchool

What is a true artificial intelligence and why don't we have it today? To answer this question, high school student Andrew Zeitler looks at the different parts of our mind that make us human beings. We are given an idea of how certain processes of our brain can be programmed with today's technology. He takes us on a journey from the hard-wired neurones of our brain to the very fundamental aspects of the human species. Within this thought-provoking talk, Andrew shares his idea of how an artificial mind may "think" and how such a program would function just like a human being.

Andrew Zeitler is a 17-year-old student in grade 11 at St. Mary CSS. Growing up, Andrew has had many influences from his three siblings and parents. From a young age, he has spent a lot of time working with computers. This experience with computers has allowed Andrew to develop a passion for computer related topics such as electronics and programming as well as partake in the school’s robotics team. Andrew is also interested in music and is a member in the school’s senior and jazz bands. Within these bands, he plays both the tuba and bass guitar. On top of this, Andrew also works part time as a deli clerk within a grocery store. When he finds spare time between school and work, Andrew works on developing different programs and algorithms for learning purposes. After graduation, Andrew hopes to study in the field of computer science at a nearby university. This will be Andrew’s first TED event and he looks forward to having the opportunity to share his ideas.

[feaststone]

Thank you all for listening to my talk and my ideas. There's a lot of things that I wish I could have mentioned in this talk but sadly didn't make it in due to time constraints. Of course there are many other things that all you have mentioned in the comments that I hadn't even thought about and I find very fascinating. I'm glad you all can provide some feedback to help me learn more and more about the subject matter and where some of the ideas I presented were off the mark or a bit too over the top

[bigfoottoo]

Interesting in that this is an example of how the young boldly move forward without all the fears of us old ones. Yes, artificial intelligence will become advanced and the young of today will integrate with it. It will not be my world it will be theirs. For better or worse, they will have to manage it along with all the fears the process will create within them.

[robincormier]

This is the difference between learning and autonomous learning. Asking Questions has always been the key.

[nitinb]

First implication of a "thinking" robot will be that it will refuse to work for you. And then, if you force it, it will revolt, and then you will be in trouble.

[techno]

Ok, can everybody calm down. First off, he's in highschool, he has so many more years to develop more talks. To everyone complaining (who I assume are older than he is), what were you doing in highschool at this boy's age? Also, the audience of this talk was ELEMENTARY AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. People complaining how this is too simple or that they were expecting some complex idea need to back up. No kid wants to hear some next level idea where they can barely even follow. I was at this event, and personally I thought he did very well and was one of the most interesting to listen to.

[bobo]

Andrew, great presentation! Be careful! Very who potential enemies could you a great life!

[joergstaude]

in 50 years or so from now on humanity finally will put together the Peaces it blindly stumbled across and upon reallise that humanity is the creator of its own existens in an everlasting time-loop and will celebrate it. Salute for that.

[emmanueltorres]

He didn't present the topic of AI in the best way, but he does have a very valid point. AI just had a breakthrough through reinforcement learning, now AI has better intuition than humans. Maybe AI will learn improve their selves, at that point, it won't take a very long time. The question is, what will they do with their supernatural abilities?

[vanessamilton]

I am about to be a speaker at this same event, and I would like to enlighten all of those that are providing unnecessarily negative comments. We are part of a club, and we are voted in based off of the quality of our talk to speak in front of other adolescents. We are in high school, unlike the experts in their fields that are invited to do talks at our event and many others. We write these talks purely for fun, on our own time, in order to share ideas and gain some experience on the Ted stage because it's a great opportunity. He did a fantastic job and is noted as an exceptional former member of our club. So give him a break!

[logusgraphics]

He actually helped me realize in all my paranoia of a conspiracy behind the AI... That if AI can actually learn like a human does, and faster, it will eventually realize the divinity of its existence and could help us break through our fears. Hopefully... Although it may sound naive.

[stevejaubert]

I believe we must keep the computers, the artificial intelligence, dependent on us. If not there is a chance they or it, however the evolving goes, might get rid of the very humans who created it but are no longer needed. It is in need we will coexist. Assuming somehow AI is able to override dependency there needs to be serious concern for developing fail safe disarming of systems.

[Szakalsky]

Emotions is what make us human. Pretty hard to write in c++

[artsmart]

Good work andrew. An interesting subject that gets more so by the day.

[nertia]

He's hit upon what I've been thinking. We only need to teach a machine to learn ... My other ideas is that we just convert to machines ourselves

[mikeyis]

when a.i. is programed to do something, in order to do that something it has to protect itself, at all costs. Go with that thought, see where it takes you.

[peterpetrov]

Interesting point. Kids do ask "why" all the time. If animals don't ask questions does that mean that they aren't conscious? Is it also possible that consciousness is connected to our self preservation instinct which is regulated by our ability to feel pain and pleasure. This "reward mechanism" seems to be missing in AI although maybe Bitcoin is just that.

[davecastanon]

I wish that A.I. was capable of giving me the last 15 minutes of my life back.

[amadeus]

"To much mind, mind on you, mind on people, mind on thinking, mind on gesticulation. Too much mind Andrew." ;D

[nanasapocinik]

THANK YOU ANDREW!! You opened my eyes to this whole subject, it is fascinating. We are unique because we are Wonderfully and Fearfully made in the image of God.

[mariomaleski]

It's awesome how your brains neurons are analogous to the wires/parts in a computer/chip that enables imagination and mind, which allows u to picture things in your mind. Like the wires/chip in a computer enable the programs which allow the picture and simulations on the screen, ... you're neurons enable the mind which allows thought, picture/simulations.. so awesome..