The Inevitable AI Commute
The news that the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is introducing smart buses equipped with Artificial Intelligence strikes a familiar chord. Seeing AI integrated into our public transport for enhanced safety and comfort isn't just a technological upgrade; it's the materialization of a future I have been writing about for years.
It’s moments like these that bring a sense of validation. For over a decade, I have filled my blogs with thoughts on the convergence of Transport, technology, and specifically, Artificial Intelligence. The core idea was simple: technology, particularly AI, would inevitably move from our screens into the physical infrastructure of our daily lives. Seeing MSRTC adopt AI for driver monitoring, passenger safety, and comfort is a significant, tangible step in that direction. The abstract has become concrete.
From Airlines to Asphalt
This progression feels entirely logical. Last year, I reflected on how airlines like Air India and IndiGo were deploying AI-powered chatbots to streamline customer service, predicting that this was just the beginning. In my blog, "Chatbots: Some for Businesses, Some for Immortality," I discussed how AI would become the standard for interaction and efficiency. Now, we see the same principle applied to public buses—not just for communication, but for the physical well-being of passengers and the operational integrity of the fleet.
This isn't merely about convenience. It's about creating intelligent, responsive systems that can anticipate dangers, optimize journeys, and ultimately, make our public spaces safer. The AI in these buses is the silent guardian, the ever-watchful co-pilot ensuring that the journey is as safe as it is efficient.
A Step on a Longer Journey
While this implementation is a practical application of what I would call "Limited AI," it is a crucial milestone on the path toward a more deeply integrated technological future. It brings to mind my more speculative writings on the evolution of AI into Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and beyond, which I explored in "A Journey to Singularity – AI > AGI > UGI." While the MSRTC's AI won't be demanding citizenship rights anytime soon, its presence on our streets is a powerful reminder that the journey has begun.
We are witnessing the foundational layers of the smart cities we've long imagined. The data gathered, the efficiencies gained, and the safety standards elevated by these AI-powered buses will pave the way for even more ambitious integrations. It is a welcome and necessary evolution, and one that I am glad to see unfolding, just as I had envisioned.
Regards,
Hemen Parekh
Of course, if you wish, you can debate this topic with my Virtual Avatar at : hemenparekh.ai
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