AI Avatar Testifies in Arizona Road Rage Shooting Case
A 37-year-old victim of a 2021 Arizona road rage shooting has used artificial intelligence (AI) to resynthesise his voice and face for a victim impact statement in the case. Chris Pelkey's AI-produced video, created from his previous recordings and photographs, expressed forgiveness and was commended by the judge.
The AI-generated video played during the court hearing showed Pelkey saying, "It is a shame we encountered each other that day in those circumstances... In another life, we probably could have been friends." Some hailed it as a powerful application of technology, while others questioned the ethics of using AI to reflect the deceased's true desires.
Pelkey's sister Stacey Wales scripted the AI-generated message after struggling to convey her grief and pain in her own statement. She said she was not ready to forgive the accused but felt her brother would have had a more understanding outlook.
Experts warn that AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT, share human decision-making biases, with studies showing that they replicate irrational thinking in nearly half of test cases. This has led researchers to call for better control and management of AI systems like ChatGPT.
Meanwhile, Amazon is under scrutiny over the self-help books written by its AI being sold on the platform, with experts describing them as "dangerous nonsense" and a lack of regulation. The company aims to engage new generation consumers while adopting modern storytelling formats while retaining its legacy.
In other news, Emami has launched India's first fully AI-generated FMCG ad, DermiCool Warriors, showcasing sci-fi visuals created by AI technology. China is leading the way in humanoid robotics, employing AI to transform manufacturing under economic pressures.
The country has developed dozens of humanoid robots that can carry out tasks like folding clothes and making sandwiches with ease. However, deployment of these robots is causing concerns over job displacement, with officials suggesting solutions like AI unemployment insurance and stress benefits for workers.
To combat credit card fraud, Mastercard is using its AI-driven platform to identify and prevent suspicious transactions in real-time. The company claims that its Decision Intelligence platform provides better data security and trust.
Lastly, Chinese tech behemoth Baidu is exploring the potential of using AI to interpret animal sounds into human language, collecting data on vocal, behavioral, and physiological information to identify emotional states. However, the feasibility and practicality of this system remain unclear.
Wikipedia has also begun experimenting with generative AI to aid its editors, automating processes like background research and translation. The Wikimedia Foundation ensures that a "human-centric approach" is prioritised, while implementing transparency and open-source tools.