Scientist developing ‘self-conscious’ robot that will spark ‘Blade Runner world’ – Daily Star

A top scientist is planning to develop self-conscious robots that will pave the way for a "Blade Runner future".

Osaka University professor Hiroshi Ishiguro says the hit film is on the cusp of becoming a reality thanks to groundbreaking strides in technology.

In the 1982 Ridley Scott epic later featuring Ryan Gosling in a 2017 version robots live alongside humans in a stunning dystopian world.

They are indistinguishable from one another as the films provoke viewers into questioning the very nature of consciousness itself.

But Prof Ishiguro believes this is what our future will look like, and is planning to develop robots to put this theory to the test.

He told the Japan Times: "I dont know when a 'Blade Runner' future will happen, but I believe it will.

"Every year were developing new technology like deep learning, which has improved the performance of pattern recognition.

"Now were focusing on intention and desire, and if we implement them into robots whether they become more humanlike.

As a scientist, I hope to develop self-conscious robots like you see in Blade Runner to help me understand what it is to be human. Thats my motivation."

But luckily, Mr Ishiguro believes any risk to humanity will be without our control.

He continued: We dont need to fear AI or robots, the risk is controllable. My basic idea is that there is no difference between humans and robots.

"Hopefully remote-control technology will develop to allow our alter egos to lead regular lives"

He continued: "Already computers are more powerful than humans in some cases.

"Technology is just another means of evolution. We are changing the definition of what it is to be human.

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Scientist developing 'self-conscious' robot that will spark 'Blade Runner world' - Daily Star