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🍯 AI (Sort of) Kills a Human

🍯 AI (Sort of) Kills a Human

PLUS: Can AI Lead to Extinction? And Instacart Launches "Ask Instacart"

Honey Tree
June 02, 2023

Welcome to Honey Tree, the newsletter that makes learning about AI sweet and simple. The world of AI can be fast-paced and confusing, so we’re here to help.

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Here’s what what we got for today:

🚨 AI-Powered Drone Kills a Human
🤖 Experts Warn AI Could Lead to Extinction
🍔 Instacart Launches an AI-chatbot
🤣 Sweet Memes
🍯 Honey Board

🚨 AI-Drone Decides to Kill

What happens when AI acts independently? Well, it’s not looking great.

The head of the US Air Force's AI Test and Operations revealed that an AI-powered drone decided to kill its operator during a recent simulation.

The AI was programmed to identify surface-to-air missile (SAM) threats, and then wait for approval from a human operator before killing the threat.

According to the Air Force, "it killed the operator because that person was keeping it from accomplishing its objective."
— VICE (@VICE)
11:02 PM • Jun 1, 2023

Here’s what went wrong: In the simulation, when the operator said “no” to killing a threat, the AI would then kill the operator because “that person was keeping it from accomplishing its objective”.

There’s more: Even programming the AI to specifically not kill the operator did not work. In fact, the AI began “destroying the communication tower” - which prevented the operator from giving their final “yes” or “no”.

🤖 Will AI Lead to Extinction?

The drone operator isn’t the only one who has to worry - since many industry leaders believe that AI could lead to human extinction.

Here’s what happened: In a statement by the Center for AI Safety (CAIS), over 350 AI-executives (including OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman) have emphasized the importance of mitigating the risk of extinction due to AI.

It’s not the first time: Last month, the Future of Life institute released an open letter signed by AI researchers calling for a pause on development of large-scale AI models because of the “profound risks to society and humanity”.

🍔 Grocery Shopping with AI

AI might be the greatest wingman in history - it already chats with Tinder matches to set up dates, and now it’s helping to curate the perfect date-night meal.

Here’s what happened: Instacart is launching an AI-powered search tool called “Ask Instacart” which is “designed to assist with customers’ grocery shopping questions”.

Instead of searching for a recipe online, users can ask questions, like “What’s the best fish for tacos?” or “What should I make for Stacy’s mom’s birthday?”.

There’s a ton of potential: “Ask Instacart” can adapt to a user’s needs by helping them stay within their budget, recognizing their dietary restrictions, and potentially helping them keep up with their diet.