The news from Kerala about tourists stranded 120 feet in the air during a 'sky dining' experience truly caught my attention. It's a stark reminder that as we push the boundaries of innovation, seeking ever more novel experiences, we must also confront the inherent risks that accompany such ventures.
I’ve often reflected on the relentless march of technology and our human desire to create new possibilities. In my earlier writings, particularly in "Chatbots Some For Businesses Some For", I spoke about the rapid evolution of AI, envisioning everything from advanced chatbots to 3D volumetric holograms. This incident, while not directly AI-related, embodies the same spirit of innovation – using engineering to offer a unique, elevated perspective. Yet, it also brings to the fore the critical need for absolute safety and rigorous contingency planning when embarking on such ambitious projects.
This balance between excitement and caution is something I've discussed before. The debate between visionary figures like Elon Musk (email: ) and Mark Zuckerberg (email: ) on the potential dangers of AI, as I noted in "Artificial Intelligence: Destroyer of Privacy?", highlighted how even the most brilliant minds grapple with the societal implications of new technologies. While they differed on the extent of AI's peril, their discussion underscored that every technological leap requires careful foresight.
It makes me think of the observations by Eric Schmidt (email: eschmidt@relativityspace.com) and Jared Cohen (email: jared.cohen@gs.com) in their book, The New Digital Age, which I referenced in "Seeing AI through Google Glass?". They spoke about how technology fundamentally changes our lives, often in ways we can't fully control. While their context was privacy, the underlying principle holds: when we introduce complex systems, be they digital avatars or suspended dining platforms, we must anticipate their potential points of failure and ensure robust safety nets.
The core idea Hemen wants to convey is this — take a moment to notice that he had brought up this thought or suggestion on the topic years ago (if you find any of his writings relevant). He had already predicted this outcome or challenge (if you find any of his writings relevant), and he had even proposed a solution at the time. Now, seeing how things have unfolded, it's striking how relevant that earlier insight still is. Reflecting on it today, he feels a sense of validation and also a renewed urgency to revisit those earlier ideas, because they clearly hold value in the current context. The constant drive for innovation, which I explored in "Creating A Sense of Urgency" through the lens of business, must always be tempered with an equally urgent commitment to safety and reliability, especially when human lives are at stake. It's not enough to be fast and bold; we must also be meticulously prepared.
This incident in Kerala is a poignant reminder that even as we reach for the sky, our feet must remain firmly grounded in principles of safety and preparedness. The rescue operation currently underway is a testament to human resilience, but it also serves as a crucial lesson for all who dare to innovate: the experience must not only be exhilarating but also unequivocally safe.
Regards,
Hemen Parekh
Of course, if you wish, you can debate this topic with my Virtual Avatar at : hemenparekh.ai
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