The article written by Dizikes focuses on the topic of vehicle automation technology and its potential implementations in the future. The author explores the process of how multiple levels of automation systems are developed at Toyota Research Institute (TRI), described by MIT professors John Leonard and Avinash Balachandran. During the MIT Mobility Forum, they presented the Guardian automation system designed to assist human drivers without fully replacing them. The article also provides insight into presenters’ perceptions of vehicle automation systems and their potential use in the near future.
The article states that Leonard and Balachandran utilize a realistic approach to developing automated vehicle systems. Thus, they deliberately focus on the integration of AI systems for the purpose of providing aid to drivers in cases of a safety hazards. According to Dizikes, Leonard expresses skepticism toward fully automotive systems and a future where humans will not need driver’s licenses because that future is not coming in the nearest time. Therefore, engineers prioritize focusing on amplifying human possibilities through the concept of “human-centric intelligent driving” (Dizikes). The widespread application of the concept is expected to result in a reduced number of traffic fatalities and an increased level of traffic safety.
The article provides a significant argument in favor of multiple levels of automation systems in vehicles. The article also touches on the subject of ethics in technology related-concerns. The perspective of the wide application of fully automotive vehicles raises several ethical concerns about privacy and lack of clarity for ordinary users in AI systems. Moreover, modern society avoids the widespread introduction of fully automated systems because it is uncertain whether mistakes of ai-based decisions are under the responsibility of the manufacturer. The solution proposed by Leonard and Balachandran offers a partial solution to ethical concerns regarding the widespread adoption of automated systems in vehicles as it prioritizes systems with multiple automation for traffic safety.
The second article, written by Chu, focuses on the new technology of remotely controlled telerobotic systems for the treatment of patients with aneurysms or strokes. The technology allows surgeons to control a robotic arm in remote hospitals to perform endovascular intervention operations. The procedure is usually performed with manual intervention, where the surgeon uses a wire to eliminate blood clots. Manual clearing of the blockage performed on a patient experiencing a stroke in a critical time period can save the patient’s life and provide safe preservation of the patient’s brain functioning.
The new technology utilizes a magnetic guidewire and modified joystick to ensure the safe operation of the blood clot removal process. The wide implementation of technology will partially solve the problem of procedure accessibility, as neurovascular surgeons are rare in hospitals in remote locations. Considering the development of a fully automotive robotic system for endovascular interventions, the technology creators commented that robots lack sophistication compared to surgeons; therefore, robotic systems are more useful for assistive purposes (Chu). Thus, the article provides a valuable example of how technology can be used for solutions related to emergency-qualified medical care in remote locations.
The information from the two articles presents significant value for IT professionals as both articles demonstrate extraordinary approaches to technology development and its practical application in daily life. The first article by Dizikes emphasizes that IT professionals must operate in the existing world, and prioritizing problem-solving can be more effective than the development of technologies designed in isolation from reality. The second article clearly demonstrates the difference that remote operation technology can make for the population’s well-being. The combination of knowledge from the two articles will help me develop more unconventional approaches in my practice as an IT professional.
Works Cited
Chu, Jennifer. “Joystick-Operated Robot Could Help Surgeons Treat Stroke Remotely.” MIT News, 2022. Web.
Dizikes, Peter. “Driving a Human-Machine Collaboration.” MIT News, 2022. Web.