With global birth rates declining and populations aging, the world faces a pressing challenge: how to provide adequate care for a growing number of elderly individuals. Many have turned their hopes to artificial intelligence, envisioning AI robots as a solution to assist with elderly care. But how realistic is this option given the current state of AI development?
Zhang Bo, a pioneering AI expert and academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, offers valuable insights into this question. At 89 years old, Zhang is one of the earliest scientists in China to study artificial intelligence, having begun his research in 1978. He continues his work as the honorary director of the Institute for Artificial Intelligence at Tsinghua University in Beijing.
According to Zhang, while AI robots hold great promise for supporting senior citizens, there are significant challenges that need to be addressed. “The current state of AI development still faces limitations in terms of emotional understanding, context awareness, and adaptability,” he explains. “Elderly care requires not just physical assistance but also emotional companionship, which AI has yet to fully achieve.”
Zhang emphasizes the importance of continued research and development in AI technologies to overcome these hurdles. “We need to push the boundaries of AI to create robots that can genuinely understand and interact with humans on a deeper level,” he says. “Only then can we hope to see AI robots effectively supporting our aging populations.”
Despite the challenges, Zhang remains optimistic about the future. “The potential is there,” he affirms. “With collaborative efforts from scientists, engineers, and policymakers, we can develop AI solutions that not only assist the elderly but also enhance their quality of life.”
As the world grapples with demographic changes, the insights of pioneers like Zhang Bo shed light on the path forward. The integration of AI robots into elderly care may not be an immediate solution, but with perseverance and innovation, it could become a reality in the years to come.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
