A century ago, we thought that machines were going to be multipliers of the effectiveness of human effort. Now, it seems clear that they will inevitably replace

A century ago, we thought that machines were going to be multipliers of the effectiveness of human effort. Now, it seems clear that they will inevitably replace it. Interesting point, though despite the development of automation/AI I think the main setback is the same today as it was back then - complex tasks require complex mechanical systems. Moving parts are required and lots of them, making them an expensive, fragile system prone to failure. If you could have a system that rarely broke down that could say, perform a manicure all by itself, you'd then have to overcome cost vs ROI. We need to break the point where complex mechanical systems with intelligence are worthwhile for the service that they provide vs cost and maintenance. It's more an economic problem than it is technological. The best form of AI that we have at the moment lives in your pocket, has essentially zero moving parts and also acts as a communications device, source of information, clock/calendar/alarm/diary and source of entertainment. People have no problem dropping USD 700 on something that can add that much value with a low failure rate. The smartphone's success was rooted in economics as much as it was technological.