Movies and Robotics Foretold the 4th Industrial Revolution — We Should Heed Their Warnings

The Fourth Industrial Revolution, commonly known as the 4IR, is no longer a concept set for the future, but is occurring now. The technologies that constitute the 4IR, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, biotechnology and the Internet of Things (IoT) are transforming industries, economies and everyday life.

However, along with this transformation comes a significant number of challenges in terms of governance, ethics and social cohesion. The fact that many of these developments and challenges were predicted by science fiction several decades ago is a truly remarkable phenomenon.

Movies such as Robocop, The Matrix, Frankenstein (an adaptation of the novel by Mary Shelley), The Terminator, Iron Man and Star Trek did more than entertain us; they also served as a cautionary tale about the repercussions of unchecked technological advancement.

Today, as these imagined futures become more and more similar to our reality, the question arises whether we are prepared to govern this revolution responsibly. For all intents and purposes, these movies foretold the present.

Since the beginning of time, science fiction has served as a mirror, reflecting both the hopes and fears of humanity regarding the advancement of technology. Concepts such as robotic law enforcement and AI-powered vehicles were introduced to us through films such as Robocop and the Knight Rider.

These ideas appeared exceptional but have since become a reality. Self-driving cars navigate our streets, autonomous drones patrol the borders, and AI tools shape decisions in law enforcement, hiring and health care. These advancements echo the visions of these films, but they also remind us of the dangers that arise when technological progress is made without ethical oversight.

Even though we are not yet engaged in a conflict with intelligent machines in a dystopian virtual reality environment, the rapid development of AI systems raises significant concerns regarding accountability, transparency and control. 

Take, for instance, the film The Matrix. We were forced to confront questions regarding free will, autonomy and human identity due to this classic from 1999, which warned us about the dangers of losing control over AI systems.

Even though we are not yet engaged in a conflict with intelligent machines in a dystopian virtual reality environment, the rapid development of AI systems raises significant concerns regarding accountability, transparency and control. Similarly, Iron Man demonstrated the potential for technological advancements to enhance human capabilities. It also alluded to the potential for societal divisions to emerge if such advancements are not distributed equitably.

Regulations and governance

The need for robust governance has never been more pressing than it is now when technologies once considered science fiction are becoming more widely used. Previously only seen in dystopian films like Minority Report, facial recognition technology is now widely used for surveillance and security.

Drones, which have gained widespread attention thanks to films such as Oblivion, are revolutionizing agriculture and logistics, but they also present risks in both military and civilian settings. Exoskeletons, which are visually similar to the suit that Iron Man wears, are helping people with disabilities improve their mobility while igniting discussions about equitable access.

As a result of these advancements, a governance framework is required that strikes a balance between innovation and ethical safeguards. In his book, "The Balancing Problem in the Governance of Artificial Intelligence", Tshilidzi Marwala, who co-authors this article, examines the concept that effective governance is associated with achieving balance.

How can we encourage innovation while guaranteeing safety? How can we ensure that technology benefits humanity rather than works against it? These are not hypothetical questions; they are significant challenges we currently face.

Busani Ngcaweni, who also co-authors this article, has surfaced issues for religious people about these “god-like” inventions and how they are superior to unsuspecting AI consumers. Like with Frankenstein, some believe that 4IR is causing men and women to lose control of their innovation, as the super robots they produce either run away from them or perform a million times better than their inventors. 

Several essential elements must be incorporated to govern 4IR technologies, particularly AI, effectively. These elements include behavioural science insights, accountability mechanisms, robust policies and regulations, international standards and enforceable laws. These, however, must be practical, innovative and ahead of the curve. They should not stifle innovation.

Behavioural science can ensure that AI meets human needs and shapes how people interact with technology. The public’s trust in AI is necessary for its widespread adoption, and public disclosure of the inner workings of these systems can help address concerns. In addition, behavioural insights can guide the design of AI systems to complement human decision-making rather than replace it.

Accountability mechanisms are vital for AI systems to function responsibly, equitably and transparently.

For instance, decision-support tools in the healthcare industry should give physicians more autonomy while allowing them to maintain control over the ultimate decisions. Similarly, businesses can be encouraged to prioritise fairness, equity and accountability in their AI systems by incentivizing ethical and human rights-oriented practices. These incentives can take the form of certifications or public recognition.

Accountability mechanisms are vital for AI systems to function responsibly, equitably and transparently. Regular audits, evaluations by a third party, and dynamic feedback loops can all help identify and fix problems earlier. Since AI technologies frequently cross national boundaries and necessitate coordinated oversight, these mechanisms should also include provisions for international collaboration.

All-encompassing policies and regulations serve as the supporting structure for governance. Implementing fair data practices ensures that the datasets used to train artificial intelligence systems are diverse, representative and ethically sourced. In addition, regulations should mandate explainability, which means that AI systems should be required to provide clear and easy-to-understand reasons. This is of utmost significance in high-stakes positions, such as those in the criminal justice system or the hiring process.

International standards and national laws are necessary to guarantee consistent and enforceable governance. Several organizations, including the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), are already developing ethical standards for artificial intelligence.

Governments must enact legislation that addresses algorithmic discrimination, data privacy and the environmental impact of artificial intelligence systems as a complementary measure to these efforts. Some countries and jurisdictions are making inroads in this regard. In particular, countries in the Global South need to increase their investment and capacity to govern AI without undermining initiative and public value. In other words, they must ensure that AI does not become a “Frankenstein” of their nations and regions.

Independent regulatory bodies with expertise in artificial intelligence should be established to enhance oversight further. Judicial systems must be equipped to handle AI disputes, ranging from algorithmic bias cases to liability cases in autonomous vehicle accidents. This requires massive investment in the training of judicial officers and the entire criminal justice system to handle such complexities effectively.

Learning from science fiction

4IR is rewriting the rules of our world, and the technologies from this revolution are already available, as foretold by the small and the big screen since the 1970s when robots became featured in movies and television productions.

Through science fiction, we were alerted to both advances in artificial intelligence, the potential pitfalls of these advancements and the promises that they made. It is now up to us to ensure that they are governed prudently.

As Marwala emphasizes in his new book, "The Balancing Problem in the Governance of Artificial Intelligence", the importance of governance cannot be overstated. To achieve this delicate balance, governments, technologists and members of civil society must work together. By incorporating behavioural science, for example, accountability mechanisms and stringent regulations, we can create a future in which technology improves humanity rather than reduces it.

The lessons that can be learned from such productions as Robocop, The Matrix and Star Trek are crystal clear: technology has enormous potential, but if it is not governed with careful consideration, it can spiral into consequences that were intentionally not intended.

As Ngcaweni puts it elsewhere, if we are not careful, we may find ourselves “living beyond god” (read as laws of nature). Laboratories, boardrooms and policy forums are where the future of AI and the fourth industrial revolution is currently being shaped, and need to be humanized and sensitized to the possibilities of unintended consequences.

Science fiction warnings should be taken seriously; responsible AI practices should be promoted. We should work together to devise a global, regional and national governance system that fully reflects the best of human ingenuity and imagination.

The stakes are high, but the opportunity to create a future in which technology serves humanity is even more significant. The time has come to act, not only to innovate, but also to govern.