Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto

Another article, in the International Journal of Swarm Intelligence and Evolutionary Computation (2016), discussed the development of socially intelligent robotic systems, not unlike Alexa, to address social connectedness. The author proposes an autonomous assistive system (AAS) as a low-cost, standalone interventional device to reduce social isolation. This could easily be deployed in homes for the elderly or even at remote sites. The AAS has been programmed to detect isolation in patients based on data regarding skeletal movements, facial expressions, and speech patterns. In the not-so-distant future, this high-density data will be sent over the cloud to allow clinicians to monitor in real-time and intervene remotely, as appropriate (eg, by initiating a home visit).⁴

Of course, in any form, implementation of AI will not be simple—there are real costs to be considered, and we still have to contend with the fears that all those sci-fi films have instilled. A recent global study revealed significant concerns that would certainly apply to the health care arena. When asked which of the following participants most feared about the use of AI,

• 33% of respondents chose “It will never know me/my preferences as well as a human being”
• 24% chose “The rise of the robot and enslavement of humanity”
• 5% feared “Robots uncovering my deepest secrets.”⁵

Despite all this, however, respondents also expressed optimism in the power and potential of AI: Nearly 70% said they are in support of further use of AI if it helps make their lives easier.⁴ Wouldn’t life be easier if AI could be used to significantly reduce errors, increase access to care, and bring a fresh viewpoint to the issue of patient education?

What do you think? Would you trust a robot to be your coworker, identifying tumors and conducting mental health screenings? Is it possible to convince patients to accept help via an impersonal medium (and risk exposure of their personal health information)? Share your fears, support, or concerns about AI with me at PAeditor@frontlinemedcom.com.