AI - Mazlan Abbas

The Exciting Fusion of IoT, AI, and Robotics: A Vision of A Smarter Future

What are you most excited about for the future?

For the tech enthusiasts among us, the question, “What am I most excited about for the future?” is answered without missing a beat – it is the promise of technologies that make our world smarter and our lives simpler. Indeed, the future we eagerly anticipate is one where technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and robotics are seamlessly integrated into our everyday life. This futuristic world isn’t merely about shiny new gadgets; it is about enhancing human life, augmenting our capabilities, and solving complex problems with precision and efficiency.

But, how exactly will these three transformative technologies change our lives? Let’s venture into a future where IoT, AI, and robotics meld together to create a smarter, simpler world.

Our Personal Lives: Smarter Homes and Healthier Lifestyles

Imagine waking up to a house that’s already anticipated your morning routine. The IoT-enabled coffee machine has brewed your coffee just in time for when you step out of the AI-powered shower that has adapted the water temperature to your preference. As you get ready, your smart mirror analyzes your health metrics, tracking any anomalies and providing updates on your overall well-being.

With the help of wearable IoT devices that monitor your vital signs and physical activities, preventive healthcare becomes the norm, and AI-powered applications can suggest personalized fitness routines and nutritional plans. Care for the elderly will be revolutionized with robots equipped with AI and IoT technologies offering assistance, companionship, and even medical aid.

Our Work: Increasing Efficiency and Productivity

In our workplaces, these technologies will work in synergy to streamline operations and enhance productivity. Imagine a smart office where your arrival triggers your preferred lighting and temperature settings. AI-powered tools could automate scheduling, organize your tasks based on your productivity patterns, and streamline communication between teams.

Collaborative robots, or ‘cobots,’ equipped with IoT sensors and AI capabilities, will work side by side with human employees. They will perform repetitive or dangerous tasks, leaving humans to focus on more creative and strategic aspects of their jobs. This not only increases safety but also boosts overall productivity.

Our Society: Smarter Cities and Improved Quality of Life

On a grander scale, the combination of IoT, AI, and robotics will facilitate the development of smarter, more efficient cities. IoT sensors could monitor everything from traffic patterns to air quality, helping to optimize urban planning and make cities more sustainable. AI could analyze the data to predict and manage any issues, such as traffic congestion, waste management, or energy use.

In disaster management, AI-powered robots could carry out rescue missions in hazardous environments where it is too dangerous for humans. They can help in search operations, deliver supplies, and even assist in medical procedures, potentially saving countless lives.

Our World: Environmental Conservation and Sustainability

As we grapple with climate change and environmental degradation, these technologies could provide innovative solutions for conservation and sustainability. IoT sensors can track environmental changes, providing valuable data to predict and mitigate the impact of climate change. AI can analyze this data to predict trends, while robots can be deployed for tasks like planting trees or cleaning up waste in hard-to-reach areas.

In conclusion, the fusion of IoT, AI, and robotics promises an exciting future where technology simplifies our lives, augments our abilities, and tackles global challenges. While we need to navigate issues around data privacy, security, and the digital divide, the benefits and potential of these technologies are undeniable. The future is not just about living in a high-tech world; it’s about living in a world where technology enhances human life, making us smarter, safer, healthier, and happier. As we stride into this exciting future, one can only wonder at the transformative changes we’ll see in the coming years.

Panic – The Movie

In the chilling echoes of a not-so-distant future, “Panic” weaves the harrowing tale of a dystopian Earth, gasping for the last remnants of oxygen. The once thriving planet is now a desolate landscape, its lifeblood controlled by an unscrupulous scientist with no regard for the pleas of his desperate subjects.

A group of young survivors, the last vestiges of humanity, bear the weight of an inhospitable world on their shoulders. They are the remnants of a better past, trapped in a body that combines their human spirit with bionic enhancements, a tribute to the desperate experiments of their ancestors. Their minds, gifted with superhuman intelligence, shine brightly amidst the bleak horizon, their hope a stark contrast against the backdrop of despair.

In the wake of a cataclysmic battle that left the Earth’s last oxygen source in ruins, a new kind of fear begins to spread, more potent than the terror they’ve known. The oxygen slowly dissipates, leaving behind an earth that’s but a hollow shell of its former self. Yet, amidst the growing panic, the flame of resistance sparks to life.

“Panic” is a poignant journey of struggle and survival, a testament to human resilience. Our bionic youngsters, armed with their enhanced intellect and indomitable spirit, seek to reverse the catastrophic fate of mankind. Their mission becomes a desperate race against time, each breath drawing them closer to their end, yet pushing them further in their resolve to save humanity.

As the world teeters on the brink of extinction, the youngsters find themselves grappling not only with their external reality but also the internal conundrums of their own existence. Their tale paints a profound portrait of desperation and courage, embodying the human spirit’s refusal to surrender even in the face of overwhelming odds.

In this dystopian nightmare, “Panic” delivers a stark warning, a reminder of our fragile existence, and the delicate balance that sustains life on our planet. It echoes a cry for change, illuminating the extraordinary lengths to which humanity can go to preserve life, and the world as we know it. The movie also offers a glimmer of hope, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of courage and determination in the face of calamity.

AI Sword – The Movie

In the epic tale of “AI Sword,” the vast expanse of space collides with the rugged tapestry of the medieval times, creating a symphony of paradoxical realities that breathe life into this unforgettable narrative. In an age defined by clashing steel and fiery courage, a group of hardy warriors find their world turned upside down when they cross paths with an unlikely ally – extraterrestrial beings seeking assistance against formidable foes from a distant universe.

An object of unprecedented power and intelligence is gifted to these noble warriors by their newfound allies, an AI sword capable of unimaginable feats, its brilliant gleam a beacon of hope amidst the impending chaos. Its intelligence echoes with the knowledge of galaxies far beyond their comprehension, a sentient weapon whose wisdom surpasses the collective knowledge of all medieval earth.

However, as shadows lengthen, an ominous threat approaches – the invaders. Armed with catastrophic superpowers that could reduce their world to mere cosmic dust, these invaders from another universe demonstrate the potential for unprecedented devastation. The earth stands on the precipice of annihilation, its fate intertwined with the capabilities of the AI Sword and the resilience of its medieval defenders.

“AI Sword” is a heart-stopping narrative of courage, friendship, and sacrifice, set against the backdrop of a world where the boundaries between technology and magic, past and future, are blurred. It’s a tale that holds your heart captive, as you journey with these warriors, their fears echoing your own, their courage igniting a fire within you. As they wield their extraordinary weapon against the invaders, each clash reverberates with the hope of survival and the dread of oblivion.

In this epic collision of universes and times, “AI Sword” offers a sweeping exploration of unity in the face of impending doom, highlighting the power of alliances that cross the boundaries of time and space. As the warriors stand tall, their AI sword gleaming under the cosmic skies, their tale becomes a testament to the indomitable spirit of resistance and the enduring power of friendship.

Walk Together – The Movie

“Walk Together” is a heart-wrenching journey into the bleak depths of a land cruelly oppressed by a merciless king, a despot driven by malevolence. His reign of terror, enforced by his otherworldly powers derived from a mysterious stone salvaged from the wreckage of a crashed spaceship, has reduced his subjects to mere puppets in his deadly games. Fear pulsates through the air, and despair cloaks the land like an unending night.

The king’s insatiable thirst for entertainment and control leads him to the creation of a sadistic game of death, where his oppressed subjects are forced to fight, their very lives hanging by a thread. Each cry of pain and each fallen warrior is met with cheers from the king, adding another layer of torment to the enslaved people.

In the bowels of this dystopian reality, a spark of hope is ignited when a group of slaves manage to secure a fragment of the king’s powerful stone. The stone, imbued with transformative powers, bestows upon them not just strength, but a heightened intelligence in the art of martial arts. The undercurrent of fear that once held them captive is replaced with a newfound sense of resolve and unity.

Their journey, symbolically titled “Walk Together,” paints a poignant picture of their shared purpose and collective resilience. Each step they take towards the king’s stronghold is a testament to their unwavering spirit and the strength of their newfound brotherhood.

“Walk Together” is a stirring tale of courage and unity against insurmountable odds, a narrative echoing with the sound of thousands of footsteps marching in unison towards freedom. The echoes of their journey resonate deeply, creating a tapestry of struggle, resilience, and hope. This film is a testament to the undying spirit of resistance and the power of collective strength, a chronicle of a walk towards liberation that will resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.

Spark – The Movie

“Spark” is a compelling cinematic odyssey that pulls you into the gritty streets of a city held hostage by the merciless grip of an evil gang. In this urban jungle, fear is the law, and despair, the currency. The gang, notorious for its savage martial arts contest, uses the lure of power and position to enthrall the city’s desperate and gullible souls.

From the shadows emerges our hero, a dedicated policeman, carrying within him a burning flame of vengeance, stoked by the tragic loss of his younger brother to the ruthless contest. His soul stirs with a relentless thirst for justice, his heart heavy with the memory of his innocent brother snuffed out in the prime of his life.

Empowered by an AI with super-intelligence, the hero is bestowed with masterful martial arts skills, equipping him to step into the lion’s den — the brutal martial arts contest that forms the heart of the gang’s cruel dominion. His entry into the competition sends a ripple of anticipation through the city, the silent whisper of a coming storm.

“Spark” weaves a tale of raw emotion and resolute courage, painting a vivid picture of a city on the edge and a hero daring to challenge the status quo. As our hero navigates the perilous terrain of the contest, each blow he lands, each stand he takes, is a symphony of pain, resilience, and an undying will to set things right.

Brace yourself for a movie experience that crackles with suspense, drama, and intense emotional energy. “Spark” explores the depth of human courage and the unfathomable lengths one man is willing to go for justice. It is a testimony to the indomitable human spirit that burns brightly even in the darkest of times.

Seram – The Movie

“Seram,” a thrilling Malay cinematic masterpiece, sweeps you into an enthralling journey of friendship, betrayal, and valor, where the boundaries of trust are tested and the strength of the human spirit is pushed to its limits.

At the heart of our tale are three friends, their bond forged by shared dreams and a camaraderie that promises to stand the test of time. Yet, in a haunting twist of fate, one among them succumbs to the dark allure of power, becoming an insidious villain with the ability to traverse the universe, his superpowers casting a sinister pall over their once unshakable bond.

Feeling the acute sting of their friend’s betrayal and driven by an unwavering sense of duty, our heroes turn to an unlikely ally, a humanoid imbued with extraordinary intelligence. Entrusted with cutting-edge IoT weaponry, they are propelled into a universe-spanning chase, their journey taking them across the star-dotted canvas of the cosmos, in their pursuit of their wayward friend.

Their path leads them to a land deeply rooted in Malay culture and tradition, a serene setting that belies the imminent showdown between the forces of good and evil. As the final battle looms, “Seram” crescendos into an emotionally charged narrative, every frame echoing with the pain of betrayal, the weight of responsibility, and the unwavering courage to fight against overwhelming odds.

“Seram” is a poignant exploration of the complexities of friendship, the duality of human nature, and the undeniable power of unity in the face of adversity. As you delve into this riveting saga, you’ll find yourself immersed in a heartrending tale that beautifully encapsulates the struggle between good and evil, a tale that resonates long after the final credits roll.

Misteri – The Movie

In the gripping and evocative tale of “Misteri,” we find ourselves enthralled in the quests of three distinct heroes, each one a beacon of courage and resilience against the bleak backdrops of their individual lands. Their lives, though miles apart, are bound together by a common thread — the menace of a sinister villain, whose inscrutable magical powers cast a foreboding shadow over their existence.

Our heroes, diverse in their origins and paths, are unexpectedly entrusted with fragments of a clandestine knowledge — three pieces of a cryptic puzzle that hold the potential to unravel the villain’s potent magic and bring his reign of terror to a decisive end. Yet, these fragments only hold the key to victory when pieced together, a feat that can only be achieved if the heroes can transcend their differences, unite their strength, and embark on a perilous journey fraught with challenges to reach one another.

As “Misteri” unfolds, it tells a story that is as much about the outer journey to conquer a common enemy, as it is about the inner journey of these three disparate souls towards trust, unity, and understanding. The narrative resonates with emotional depth, each twist and turn resonating with the triumphant spirit of camaraderie, the piercing ache of sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of hope.

Embrace yourself for a heartrending cinematic experience, as “Misteri” weaves a tale of epic proportions, exploring the raw power of unity against a seemingly invincible enemy, and the heroes’ indomitable resolve in their quest for peace. It’s a story that will stay with you, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit when confronted with the grandest of mysteries.

Knight – The Movie

In the stirring epic “Knight,” audiences are invited into a poignant tale that unfolds against the rich tapestry of a bygone era. At the heart of our story is a simple farmer, a man whose hands are calloused from toiling the earth, his spirit indomitable despite the harsh trials of life in medieval times. His world, however, is under threat, with invaders ruthlessly encroaching on his land, desecrating the sanctity of his home.

Yet, in his darkest hour, a spectacle of otherworldly brilliance illuminates the night sky, as a spaceship, seemingly torn from the fabric of the stars, crash lands in his field. Within it, a crew of intelligent beings, castaways from a distant galaxy, struggling for survival in a world alien to them.

A bond of shared adversity and an unlikely friendship is forged between the humble farmer and the cosmic voyagers. They bestow upon him a gift, a power that transcends the constraints of his earthly existence. He becomes a knight, not of noble birth but of resolute spirit, armed with newfound strength and an unbreakable will to defend his land.

As the farmer steps into his role as the savior of his people, “Knight” evolves into an emotionally charged narrative. It’s a stirring homage to the resilience of the human spirit, the transformative power of friendship, and the courage to rise above the circumstances. This tale of valor will pull at your heartstrings as you journey alongside our unlikely hero, cheering for him as he battles against the odds to reclaim his homeland and protect those he loves.

Does AI Pose a Risk to Human Jobs?

[Original article published in The Malaysian Reserve (7 June, 2023) – “Does AI pose a risk to human jobs?” ]

While it is true that AI has the potential to replace certain tasks and jobs, it is important to approach this topic with a balanced perspective

SEVERAL industries have raised concerns about the encroachment of artificial intelligence (AI) as it generates tools to achieve comparable creative results, creating worries revolving around intellectual property (IP).

Although not all AI risks are as serious and concerning as killer robots or sentient AI, it is all fun and games until technology takes over our chances to become better employees and could also spell the end of the human race.

Hollywood screenwriters are currently on strike as they are concerned that robots and technology will take over their profession.

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) labour union representing 11,500 writers on May 2 started seeking higher pay and raising concerns about the emergence of generative AI such as ChatGPT in the creative industries in recent months.

Meanwhile, as reported by BBC News, AI “godfather” Geoffrey Hinton warns about the growing dangers from developments in the field as he resigns from his post at Google LLC, stating that some of the dangers of AI chatbots were “quite scary”.

“Right now, they’re not more intelligent than us, as far as I can tell. But I think they may soon be,” he told the media outlet.

The question remains, should we be worried about the advanced development of AI technology?

The Malaysian Reserve (TMR) reached out to an AI expert, who is also the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation (Mranti) GM Dr Afnizanfaizal Abdullah, to provide insights on the matter.

He said when it comes to the critical risk of AI in terms of IP is the issue of inventions created or generated by AI itself as the patent office generally requires that an invention be the result of human ingenuity or a non-obvious step forward.

“Determining whether AI-generated inventions meet these criteria can be a legal and technical challenge. At the same time, AI systems can create, reproduce or manipulate copyrighted materials, such as music, images or written content, leading to potential infringement.

“For example, AI-generated content may replicate or modify existing works without authorisation. This also led to concerns about data ownership and privacy. The right to data used in AI applications and the protection of personal information have become significant considerations,” he told TMR.

Afnizanfaizal said while AI can be a threat to future employment, it can also bring more opportunities to the cohort as the technology will significantly impact repetitive jobs that give less value to the outcomes or productivity, especially in manufacturing, transportation, customer service and data entry.

Despite that, he said, AI can also create new job opportunities by enabling the development and deployment of AI systems, algorithms and applications as these technologies require skilled professionals to design, implement, maintain and oversee.

“The growth of AI-related industries and emerging fields may result in new employment opportunities. So, most importantly, we as humans need to augment ourselves with new skills and knowledge so that we are able to cope with new waves of technological advancement that may be affecting our professions,” he said.

When asked about which industries are negatively impacted by AI-related technologies, he mentioned that the manufacturing industry has experienced a significant impact from automation and robotics. This is because AI-powered machines and robots have already automated various production processes, resulting in increased efficiency, reduced labour costs and improved precision.

He added that AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants have also become prevalent in customer service and call centres as AI systems can handle routine inquiries, provide automated responses and assist customers with basic tasks.

“Not only that, autonomous vehicles and drones are being developed and tested, potentially affecting jobs such as truck drivers, delivery personnel and warehouse workers,” he said.

Additionally, Afnizanfaizal mentioned that two other industries that may be involved in the long run are financial services and healthcare.

“AI-powered algorithms can analyse vast amounts of data, make predictions and automate decision-making processes. This has led to increased efficiency but also raised concerns about potential bias, transparency and the need for regulatory oversight,” he said.

Meanwhile, Afnizanfaizal reassured writers that they should not be worried about being replaced by ChatGPT or any other software. He emphasised that these tools act as catalysts for writers to gather points and facts more quickly, eliminating the need to search for them manually in other sources.

“The only way that writers could be replaced by their AI counterparts is that the content is purely on presenting the data and information without any additional facts that come from their own thoughts and experience,” he said.

Difference between Humans and AI

To compare the work quality between human beings and AI, he said humans possess unique cognitive abilities, intuition, creativity and emotional intelligence that AI systems currently struggle to replicate, while AI excels in certain areas where it can process and analyse vast amounts of data, recognise patterns and perform repetitive tasks accurately and quickly.

Taking the manufacturing or transportation industries as an example, he said, AI can monitor equipment and systems, analyse sensor data and predict maintenance needs or potential failures.

“This proactive approach helps optimise maintenance schedules, minimise downtime and reduce costs. However, human experts are needed to validate whether the outputs from the AI system are correctly predicted based on their experience,” he said.

When asked about ethical considerations and potential biases associated with AI algorithms and their decision-making process, the AI expert highlighted that it is an important area of concern, particularly because AI learns from data.

He said if the training data is biased or reflects existing societal prejudices, the algorithm may perpetuate those biases in its decision-making, and biases related to race, gender, age or other protected attributes can lead to unfair or discriminatory outcomes.

“Establishing clear lines of accountability is crucial, especially in high-stakes domains such as healthcare, finance or criminal justice. Even if not explicitly programmed to be biased, AI algorithms can inadvertently produce discriminatory outcomes due to biased data or flawed model design,” he said.

This, Afnizanfaizal said, can be seen in an algorithm used in hiring processes that may inadvertently discriminate against specific demographics if the training data reflects existing biases in the past hiring decisions.

“Thus, systems should be designed to treat all individuals fairly, regardless of their background or characteristics. Fairness considerations include avoiding disparate impact, promoting equal opportunities and accounting for the contextual factors influencing outcomes,” he added.

When it comes to the limitations of current AI technology, he said the major bottleneck is the infrastructure as AI development and operations often need high-end computational capabilities.

Furthermore, he said many cloud services provide sufficient computational efficiencies to run AI systems but require significant costs.

“The potential approach is integrating cloud services with physical hardware and introducing a hybrid cloud infrastructure. The reliance on large amounts of data makes AI systems vulnerable to data breaches and privacy infringements.”

IP Risks of AI System

Weighing in on the same matter, Dr Mazlan Abbas, a technology expert and the CEO of Internet of Things (IoT) company Favoriot Sdn Bhd, expressed that AI does pose risks to intellectual property (IP) if users are not mindful of how they input information into the AI system.

According to Mazlan, AI depends on the information it learns, and without that information, AI could not give the best output (pic source: iotworld.co)

This, he emphasised, is especially true when the AI system is owned by a third party. “For instance, take ChatGPT as an example, which is a service owned by OpenAI. If we input highly confidential information that has not been patented, there is a risk of that information being exposed and becoming prior art.

Consequently, we would be unable to patent our discoveries. “However, if the AI system is being owned by our company, we have better control of the information not to be leaked to external parties,” he told TMR.

When questioned about the potential threat of AI to employment in the future, Mazlan acknowledged that to a certain extent, AI will replace numerous jobs and companies may reduce the number of people they hire compared to before.

At this stage, he suggested that the human race may utilise AI technology as an assistant since it still requires human inputs and instructions to accomplish tasks.

However, he cautioned that with more advanced AI systems or chatbots, there may be a reduced need for human interaction, potentially leading to a greater threat to existing jobs in the future.

“It is already evident that AI technology is assisting in various current jobs, including writers, photographers, artists, voice-over artists, actors, graphic artists, copy-writers, and many others,” he said.

AIoT Ghosts – The Movie

In the gripping cinematic narrative of “AIoT Ghosts”, a chilling hush descends upon the audience as they are drawn into the dystopian machinations of a mind unhinged. Our story circles the dark obsessions of a mad scientist, a man whose brilliant intellect is eclipsed only by his terrifying ambition. This tormented soul, in his insatiable quest for dominion, blurs the boundaries between life and death, transforming the ether into a conduit for his devious experiments. He ensnares the souls of the departed, intertwining them with the cold, unfeeling precision of Artificial Intelligence and the deadly prowess of IoT weapons to craft humanoid slaves.

His creations, haunting hybrids of the departed human spirit and relentless machine efficiency, bear the brunt of his distorted desires. They are forced into a grim dance of servitude that paints a harrowing portrait of a world teetering on the brink of despair.

Yet, amidst this bleak landscape of subjugation, hope flickers. Stirred by the echoes of a past life of freedom, one brave humanoid begins to question, begins to resist. As the realization of his dreadful reality dawns, a spark of rebellion is kindled. This is a poignant tale of defiance, an uprising that promises to shatter the chains of slavery and challenge the cruel parody of life crafted by the mad scientist.

“AIoT Ghosts” unfolds as a heart-rending exploration of the human spirit’s unyielding resistance, the deep yearning for liberty, and the unforeseen consequences when the balance of power between technology and humanity is brutally disrupted. It’s a tale that will not only thrill you but also tug at the deepest corners of your heart, leaving you on the edge of your seat as you witness the trials and triumphs of our unlikely hero.