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Chen Qiufan: A sci-fi vision of life in 2041 | TED
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Chen Qiufan: A sci-fi vision of life in 2041 | TED

Introduction

The speaker introduces the setting of the year 2041 and describes a world filled with advanced technologies. However, COVID-19 is still present, and the protagonist has been isolated for three years due to trauma from the pandemic.

Life in 2041

  • The world in 2041 is filled with astonishing technologies and scientific advances.
  • Despite these advancements, COVID-19 is still present, and people have learned to live with it.
  • The protagonist has been isolated for three years due to trauma from the pandemic.

Venturing Out

The protagonist decides to venture out into the outside world after learning that their online game lover is hospitalized with a new variant of the virus.

Assistance from Robots

  • Robots assist the protagonist in navigating the outside world.
  • A special elevator reserved for robots allows them to avoid contact with people.

Cautious Steps Outside

  • The streets are filled with various types of robots performing different tasks.
  • The protagonist cautiously steps out on the street for the first time, eyeing passers-by suspiciously.

Safety Measures

  • The protagonist relies on a Safety Circle app on their mobile device to stay safe. It alerts them if potential virus carriers come too close.
  • Their inner wrist displays real-time physiological data, including vaccine expiration (which is three years out of date).

Racing Against Time

The protagonist faces a race against time as they try to reach their dying lover while dealing with outdated vaccine information.

Accessing Medical Help

  • The protagonist's device streams real-time medical status of their dying lover, causing panic.
  • They need an electric identification film to access transportation and reach the hospital. Without it, they can't get there.

Quick-Fix Drug and Vaccine Development

  • AI-automated processes allow for the synthesis of a quick-fix drug for the protagonist's lover.
  • Technologies like AlphaFold accelerate vaccine development from years to weeks.

Future Possibilities in 2041

The speaker discusses potential advancements and changes that could occur in 2041.

Anti-Fake Detectors and Cybersecurity

  • Anti-fake detectors are standard for cybersecurity, preventing the spread of rumors and hatred through technology abuse like deepfakes.

Personalized Learning and Technology

  • Real personalized learning is achieved with customized AI companions that cater to individual creativity, communication, and compassion.
  • Educational technology no longer exacerbates class divisions.

Immortal Virtual Characters

  • Digital twins enabled by natural language processing and XR technologies allow deceased individuals like Kobe Bryant, Maradona, and Whitney Houston to be reborn as immortal virtual characters in customized entertainment experiences.

Conclusion

The speaker concludes by emphasizing the importance of exploring a positive future with AI technology rather than focusing solely on dystopian perspectives.

Writing a Book on AI Development

  • The speaker collaborated with Dr. Kai-Fu Lee to write a book that blends science fiction realism with analysis of technology and big ideas driving its development.

Exploring Realistic AI Development

  • The book explores realistic roadmaps of AI development over the next 20 years, based on research into various AI technologies.
  • The stories in the book depict how individuals from different cultures and industries react to the future shock induced by AI.

Note

The transcript provided is already in English, so there is no need to respond in a different language.

The Power of Imagination

This section explores the role of imagination in shaping the future and how science fiction can inspire scientific advancements.

The Impact of Imagination

  • People are still unemployed, isolated from friends, family, and nature.
  • Will AI really solve all these problems?
  • Many scientists admit inspiration from fiction, from modern submarines to laser guns.
  • Scientific advancements like mobile phones and CRISPR have been influenced by imagination.
  • Imagination plays a significant role in shaping the world.
  • To create a better future, we must first learn to imagine it.

Science Fiction as a Catalyst for Change

  • By imagining the future through science fiction, we can actively play a role in shaping our reality.

The transcript is already in English.

Channel: TED
Video description

Sci-fi writer Chen Qiufan doesn't fear a dystopian future. Instead, he believes developments in artificial intelligence will make all of our lives better, healthier and safer. He takes us on a tour of the next 20 years of AI and shares some astonishing predictions for the advancements in science and technology that could await us. "For every future we wish to create, we must first learn to imagine it," he says. Visit http://TED.com to get our entire library of TED Talks, transcripts, translations, personalized talk recommendations and more. The TED Talks channel features the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). Look for talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design -- plus science, business, global issues, the arts and more. You're welcome to link to or embed these videos, forward them to others and share these ideas with people you know. Become a TED Member: http://ted.com/membership Follow TED on Twitter: http://twitter.com/TEDTalks Like TED on Facebook: http://facebook.com/TED Subscribe to our channel: http://youtube.com/TED TED's videos may be used for non-commercial purposes under a Creative Commons License, Attribution–Non Commercial–No Derivatives (or the CC BY – NC – ND 4.0 International) and in accordance with our TED Talks Usage Policy (https://www.ted.com/about/our-organization/our-policies-terms/ted-talks-usage-policy). For more information on using TED for commercial purposes (e.g. employee learning, in a film or online course), please submit a Media Request at https://media-requests.ted.com