The latest installment in Netflix'S “Unknown” docuseries, Unknown: Killer Robots puts the evolution of artificial intelligence under an ethical microscope. Although the title could be misleading, it does cover the possible dangerous applications of AI as it forces us to question the growing divide between human morality and machine efficiency. With advances in war and medicinal applications, the capabilities of AI to heal, save and destroy are terrifying and awe-inspiring in equal measure. Like the previous films in the series, it is hyper-concentrated to an almost-stifling degree, but it’s also powered by the passionate subjects on either side of these advancements. Forgoing sensationalism, this digestible documentary questions intention over the technology itself.
Synopsis
What happens when a machine makes life-or-death decisions? This documentary explores the dangers of artificial intelligence in military application.
Storyline
A look at the development of artificial intelligence-powered weapons and the potential dangers they pose to humanity.
TLDR
Sci-fi may be off about the technology but it may be spot on about the nefarious intentions behind its evolution.
What stands out
Despite its best efforts, the might—and subsequent fear— of these advancements stands out among the film's objective presentations. Knowing a program designed to generate life-changing medicine can create 40,000 chemical bio-weapon variants with the switch from a "0" to "1" is hard to ignore. Or the fact that autonomous, military-grade drones could kill innocent lives with simple (inherently void of human reasoning) directives. With a potential that grows exponentially and the race between government bodies to win the accolades of being "first," the future of AI continues to be concerning.
