Kozminski Techblog

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These days, one of the biggest controversies has turned out to be artificial intelligence. Technologies are moving forward in which artificial intelligence has a big part to play. Many developers are using it to facilitate everyday activities. One such creator is Elon Musk, who claims that the ideal way to make life easier and a great innovation would be a car with built-in artificial intelligence, which would provide self-driving. Musk is enthusiastic about such a vision, however, the body overseeing artificial intelligence has expressed concerns about the project. In this blog post, we will critically examine the arguments raised and explore the broader implications of artificial intelligence in the context of current technological trends and social impact.

Artificial intelligence fully autonomous: Technological marvel or cause for concern?

In 2020, there were 35,766 fatal car crashes in the United States, resulting in 38,824 deaths. Human error is considered the main cause of such accidents. Therefore, an innovative solution has been invented in the form of autonomous cars, which are said to prevent many accidents and improve our lives. Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of Tesla, is a huge proponent of implementing artificial intelligence into his vehicles. According to him, the introduction of autonomous vehicles will not only make it safer to get around on the roads, but will also be a huge innovation in the transportation market. Although Elon Musk himself as well as other respected sources claim that this is a great idea, there have been some concerns that contradict the ideal vision.

Potential dangers associated with the integration of AI in full self-driving:

1. Lack of Human Intuition: Humans as drivers often rely on intuition and situations happening around us. We are adept at reacting quickly and being alert to every eventuality. Unlike humans, artificial intelligence works differently. It does not possess basic human characteristics such as emotions, intuition or intention. This flaw may cause artificial intelligence in cars to have trouble sensing the intentions of drivers, cyclists or pedestrians.
2. Ethical Decision-Making: The ethical dilemmas faced by AI-driven vehicles, as outlined in the Forbes article, pose a significant challenge. The algorithms guiding self-driving cars must make split-second decisions in situations where human lives are at stake. Balancing competing interests, such as the safety of occupants versus pedestrians, raises moral and legal questions that are challenging to resolve definitively.
3. Legal and regulatory challenges: Introducing artificial intelligence permanently into cars will require a myriad of regulatory frameworks and laws to come into effect. Inconsistencies in road markings, signage or lack of standard communication protocols could confuse AI systems. In addition, the lack of clear and open regulations for autonomous cars poses a challenge from a safety and liability standpoint for vehicle technology.
4. Hacking attacks: AI-driven vehicles rely heavily on jointly interconnected systems and communication networks. Such interconnectedness poses the risk of cyberattacks. If a hacker gains control of an artificial intelligence system, he or she can potentially manipulate the vehicle’s behavior, which can lead to accidents, privacy violations and even malicious actions.

What Elon Musk promised us about autonomous cars:

1. Increased road safety: One of the promises and assurances associated with AI in autonomous cars is a reduction in traffic accidents and fatalities. Elon Musk claims that programmed vehicles are able to react faster and assess the environment more accurately.
2. Economic benefits: Tesla’s vision recognizes the potential for economic benefits from increased transportation efficiency. Musk suggests that autonomous vehicles can lead to savings by reducing accidents, fuel consumption and the need for extensive parking infrastructure.
3. Independence: AI-powered vehicles have the potential to improve accessibility for people who cannot drive due to age, disability or other reasons. Musk predicts that autonomous driving technology will provide mobility solutions to a broader segment of the population.

After comparing the two perspectives of the positives and negatives of AI-powered self-driving cars, we can tell if it is indeed such a promising project. We also have to wonder if we can trust artificial intelligence so much that it will take full control of everyday activities such as driving a car. Elon Musk’s promises underscore the potential positive impacts of autonomous driving technology, but it is critical to recognize and address the risks and challenges associated with it.

Concerns about the lack of human intuition, ethical decision-making, legal and regulatory hurdles, and vulnerability to hacking attacks underscore the need for a comprehensive and cautious approach to integrating artificial intelligence into autonomous cars. The ethical dilemmas outlined, such as split-second decisions affecting human life, underscore the complexity of programming vehicles to navigate moral and legal nuances. In addition, mention of regulatory challenges and potential inconsistencies in road infrastructure highlights the real obstacles that must be overcome to ensure safe and effective autonomous driving.

In assessing the promises and potential risks, it becomes clear that a balance must be struck between technological advances and the ethical, legal and safety considerations inherent in autonomous driving. The industry must work together to address these challenges, ensuring that the benefits promised by artificial intelligence for autonomous driving are realized without compromising safety, ethics and security.

Sources:

https://www.therobotreport.com/is-using-ai-full-self-driving-good-idea-musk-says-yes-ai-watchdog-says-no/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/naveenjoshi/2022/08/05/5-moral-dilemmas-that-self-driving-cars-face-today/?sh=612ed58e630d

https://www.techaheadcorp.com/blog/future-of-self-driving-cars/

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Booking.com is one of the largest platforms for booking various accommodations online. It now operates almost all over the world and we are able to book a lot of interesting places from it. However, customers from the United Kingdom, Indonesia, Singapore, Greece, Italy, Portugal, the United States and the Netherlands have complained online that they have fallen victim to fraud through the site. As it turns out, more and more new hacking ways are being developed that threaten to lose money for many Booking.com platform customers. Various media outlets have portrayed the situation as a growing threat, with hackers allegedly exploiting vulnerabilities in the platform’s security.

Cyber attacks

Cyber security experts say Booking.com itself was not hacked, but criminals have figured out ways to get into the administrative portals of individual hotels using the service. Hackers are posting various offers on Dark Web sites where they offer as much as $2,000 for login credentials to various hotels from where they can steal further from their customers. Researchers at cybersecurity firm Secureworks say the hackers are operating through software called Vidar Infostealer.
“They do this by sending an email to the hotel, claiming to be a former guest who left his passport in his room.
The criminals then send employees a link to Google Drive, claiming it contains a photo of the passport. Instead, the link downloads malware onto employees’ computers and automatically searches hotel computers for access to Booking.com. The hackers then log into Booking.com, allowing them to see all customers who currently have a room or vacation reservation. The hackers then send messages to customers via the official app and are able to get them to pay them money instead of the hotel.
It seems that the hackers are making so much money from their attacks that they are now offering thousands of dollars to criminals who share access to hotel portals.” – according to BBC NEWS

Side of management

From a management perspective, this situation calls for a counteractive approach to cyber security. It is not enough to respond to emerging reports and complaints coming in from customers. Companies must begin to anticipate security vulnerabilities and respond to them in advance. This requires an in-depth understanding and analysis of current technology trends and evolving tactics of cybercriminals.
In addition, managers should introduce training to make employees aware of potential threats and methods to deal with such attempted attacks. Customers, as well, should be kept abreast of the action currently happening online as well as on portals such as Booking.com.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when we talk about the alleged increase in cyber attacks on Booking.com, it is important to look at the situation in more detail. It sounds really bad in some articles, but we need to think about the bigger picture of the online security challenges facing websites today. Nowadays, cyber attacks are spreading more and more not only on Booking.com but also on many other very popular platforms. We as customers need to be wary of all sorts of links and messages that may turn out to be scams. Likewise, employees should be skilled enough not to succumb to various types of attacks and at the same time protect their customers.

Sources of information:

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-67583486

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/fraudsters-attack-booking-com-customers-after-hacking-hotels/articleshow/105701847.cms

Customers of online travel agency Booking.com are under attack

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“The Line Saudi Arabia” is a massive city project forming lines stretching from the Neom Mountains across the deserts to the Red Sea. The Line is designed to be an entire city composed of two parallel, 200-meter-wide skyscrapers, each 170 kilometers long and 500 meters high — higher than most of the world’s tallest skyscrapers.

The project ensures no cars, no roads and no pollution. In addition, the city is expected to rely on renewable energy and be 95% natural. The entire structure is to be covered with mirrors, and the city is to accommodate 9 million people. In addition, it is to include everything that will make everyday life more pleasant i.e.:

• Lots of parks, waterfalls and other natural objects
• Flying taxis and robots maids
• Vertically layered homes, offices, public parks and public schools
• Walking distance to parks and natural elements (two-minute walk)
• High-speed trains that make only four stops and cover the entire 170-kilometer stretch of the city in a lightning-fast 20 minutes

Benefits

• Higher disposable incomes for citiznes – thanks to reduce commutes there will be less expenses flike car insurance, fuel and parking
• Improving the quality of life and health
• Reduced Commute Times -With a focus on walkability and efficient public transportation, The Line aims to eliminate the need for conventional transportation, reducing commute times and promoting a more convenient and time-efficient lifestyle.

Challenges of “The Line”:

• One of the doubts about the current use of the land is the information that the Saudi Arabian government has been accused of forcibly evicting members of the Howeitat tribe to make way for “The Line Saudi Arabia”. At least 47 tribe members have been arrested or detained for resisting eviction. Five of them were also sentenced to death, according to a report by British human rights group ALQST.
• Funding and Financial Viability – “The Line” is an ambitious and costly undertaking. Ensuring sustained funding and financial viability over the long term may be challenging, especially if economic conditions or investor sentiments change.
• Environmental Concerns – Despite the emphasis on sustainability, the construction and operation of such a large-scale development can have environmental consequences. Balancing rapid urbanization with ecological preservation poses a challenge, and mismanagement could lead to environmental degradation.
• Legal and Regulatory Challenges – Navigating complex legal and regulatory frameworks, both domestically and internationally, can pose challenges for a project of this magnitude. Adhering to various legal requirements and standards is essential for the project’s success.

Conclusion

“The Line Saudi Arabia” is outlining a vision for the future of urban living with an emphasis on sustainability, technology and connectivity. It presents a remarkable vision of the future we could only imagine in the movies. It promises us many advantages that are likely to improve our lives. However, as with any ambitious project, there are challenges and concerns that require careful consideration. As we watch the development of “The Line”, it is essential to critically assess whether the project is consistent with the ideals presented and how it can shape the future of urban development around the world. In my opinion, the execution of such a project is so heavy and labor-intensive that we will still be waiting a very long time to see the desired result.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/mathematicians-think-saudi-arabias-ambitious-line-city-should-be-a-circle/

https://www.neom.com/en-us/regions/theline

https://science.howstuffworks.com/engineering/civil/the-line-saudi-arabia-news.htm

Saudi Arabia’s The Line: Everything you need to know

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What is the Gig Economy?

Gig Economy refers to a situation in which an employee functions in the labor market by taking orders and completing specific projects and does not provide services in a full-time model. This new phenomenon has been developing since the beginning of the 21st century with new technologies. Easier and easier access to the Internet has given new tools for employer-employee contact and created a space for exchanging services or content remotely. The gig economy phenomenon is often associated with people forced into this model by lack of permanent employment, but this is only part of the truth. IT professionals, the financial industry or creative professions such as graphic designers and creatives looking for interesting challenges often function as giggers.

What positions fall under the Gig Economy?

Many different jobs fall into the gig category. Jobs can range from driving for Uber or delivering food to writing code or articles for freelancers. For example, adjunct professors and part-time professors are contract workers, as opposed to tenured or tenure-track professors. Colleges and universities can cut costs and match professors to their academic needs by hiring more adjunct and part-time professors.

Does the Gig Economy actually offer freedom?

One of the benefits the Gig Economy offers is pretended freedom. Employees can decide on many things such as the hours and days they work, and they don’t have to stick to one predetermined schedule. However, will such perks reward them with security? Definitely not, such workers most often do not have health insurance, job security, benefits or protection like traditional employees. 

They are often considered independent contractors, which can result in a lack of labor rights, including minimum wage and overtime protection.

As Forbes reports, “This classification has led to numerous lawsuits and regulatory disputes, such as the case of Uber drivers in California demanding that they be recognized as employees rather than contractors. While some platform workers may value their autonomy, they may prefer to have more of the rights and protections guaranteed by traditional employment.”

Work-life balance

For some employees, gig work flexibility can actually interfere with work-life balance, sleep patterns and daily activities. Flexibility in the gig economy often means that employees must be available whenever assignments come in, regardless of their other needs, and must always be on the hunt for the next assignment. Competition for assignments has also increased. 

Lack of relationships between employees 

Due to the fluid nature of transactions and relationships within the gig economy, long-term relationships between employees, employers, customers and suppliers can become a problem. This can eliminate the benefits of building long-term trust, customary practices and friendships with customers and employers.

It can also discourage the introduction of integration between employees that would otherwise be profitable, as neither party has an incentive to invest significantly in a relationship that lasts only until the next performance.

Unfair clients (i.e., not getting paid for work)

“A 2018 survey by Paypal found that 51% of freelancers were not paid for their work, while a study by IPSE in the UK found that freelancers lost an average of about £5,934 a year working for free.” – as reported in Medium 

Companies often hire contractors to solve specific problems or work on short-term projects to improve a particular segment of the business. However, these projects often turn out to be a huge waste of time and investment, as temporary workers are paid on a part-time or hourly basis while they work on a project that requires a much larger real-time investment to complete.

In addition, the company can often offer contract extensions as an incentive or threaten to terminate the contract to force the temporary worker to complete more work faster.

Outsourcing 

“The process of outsourcing jobs leads to further outsourcing, creating a rift in the workplace, leaving “many without fair and decent wages, a career path and a secure work environment,” according to David Wei in his book “The Fissured Workplace.” A worker’s earning potential drops dramatically when he or she is converted from an ordinary worker to a contract worker. Low-income contract workers, in particular, work under increasingly difficult working and security conditions and no longer have the prospect of advancement within the company in the long run. The most insidious aspect of job outsourcing is that it affects those who earn the least the most. As profit margins shrink the farther down the chain, companies often take shortcuts on labor and safety standards for those who are already in a precarious economic position.

In the United States, the minimum wage has remained at $7.25 since 2009, despite inflation and the ongoing recession. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, adjusted for inflation, the minimum wage in 1968 was $10.90, nearly $4 more than the current rate. As a result, some of the people most affected by companies’ increasing tendency to hire temporary contractors instead of full-time workers are those doing ‘unskilled’ labor-intensive work.” – as reported by investopedia 

In conclusion, while the Gig Economy offers many benefits and on the surface appears to be an easy source of income, it also has its dark side. The issues of job security, economic stability, social isolation and management complexity deserve close examination. To see this clearly, we must question the image of complete freedom and flexibility, recognizing the trade-offs and potential harms associated with the gig model. In our pursuit of technological advancement and economic efficiency, we cannot ignore the costs borne by the workers who drive the gig economy. To build a more equitable future, it is important to address these issues and reimagine the gig economy as a system that prioritizes both flexibility and worker well-being.

Sources used:

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/gig-economy.asp

https://medium.com/blankpage/the-dark-side-of-the-gig-economy-e60b91e00535

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The E-VTOL air cab network will debut in France in 2024. Unlike traditional aircraft, these small vehicles can land like a helicopter on any airstrip and do not require a runway. They will be cabs made by the German company Volocopter. As part of the VoloCity service, they will fly with one passenger for the time being on routes from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Le Bourget and from Paris to Sans-Cyr. The electric flying cabs are expected to replace the old technology because they are quieter, faster and definitely cheaper to operate. However, will there be enough qualified pilots? Will it be good for the environment? Is it a safe form of travel? We will find out from the advantages and disadvantages given.

What are flying taxis all about?

Flying taxis also known as electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft are a new mode of transportation that allows passengers to travel through the air in small autonomous and electric aircraft. It is poised to transport passengers between key transportation hubs like train stations and airports. These aircraft are designed to take off and land vertically like a helicopter but fly like a plane using wings and propellers. Flying taxis can carry up to 4 passengers and travel up to 60 miles per hour. They are designed to provide a fast, convenient and environmentally friendly mode of transportation in urban areas.  

How do flying cabs work?

The flying cabins are powered by electric motors and batteries, making them environmentally friendly and quiet. Fixed wings are used to operate them. The aircraft takes off and lands vertically using a series of rotor propellers. In the air, the aircraft transitions to fixed-wing flight, using wings to provide lift and propellers to propel it forward. The aircraft is designed for autonomous flight using advanced sensors and software to safely navigate through the air.

What are the benefits of flying cabs?

• provide a fast and efficient means of transportation 
• they reduce travel time and traffic jams on the roads
• they are environmentally friendly, using electricity and emitting no exhaust fumes 
• significantly reduce noise pollution in urban areas
• offer a new level of convenience and flexibility, allowing passengers to travel directly to their destination without having to use the runway.  

What are the downsides of flying cabs? 

• Tech and cost challenges – each of eVTOLs will cost an estimated $2.5 million and have an eight-year lifespan. The operating costs of piloted air cabs, along with the costs of maintaining their full life cycle, could exceed the price operators could charge for the service. This means that few people will be willing to pay such a large amount of money for an admittedly fairly short ride. In addition, there will be a need for special production of the parts needed to create flying cabs, which are not normally available on the aviation market 
• Safety issues – VTOLs don’t have a reliable means of passively generating lift in the event of a power system failure. And some eVTOLs rely exclusively on powered lift systems, meaning that if a software or hardware failure disables the entire power system, the vehicle would no longer be able to generate any lift. 
• Regulatory approval – many countries don’t have yet regulations in place for flying taxis
• Infrastructure required including charging stations, landing pats and air traffic control system 
• Public acceptance – many people may be hesitant to fly in autonomus aircraft 

Conclusion 

Flying cabs are a huge breakthrough in technology and transportation. Manufacturers assure us that this type of transportation can bring us many benefits such as reduced traffic jams on the streets and reduced noise especially in city centers. It is also a friendly form of transportation for our environment. The problem, however, is the extremely high cost of producing such a machine, which is associated with the high cost of the service fee. Most people will not be able to afford or will not want to spend so much money on this type of transportation, especially when there are cheaper options such as the subway. An additional factor influencing people’s reluctance to use this form of transport is the fear of maintaining safety. Such machines are not as strongly built as, for example, airplanes, which will not make it easier for them to travel in difficult weather conditions. Therefore, in my opinion, this is a very interesting option for the development of today’s transport, but I believe that it is unprofitable and unfavorable due to the large number of disadvantages and dangers.

REFERENCES:

https://insights.globalspec.com/article/18347/these-are-the-challenges-facing-air-taxis

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-66252187

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/24/your-electric-flying-taxi-is-just-around-the-corner

https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/the-next-normal/air-taxis

https://www.volocopter.com/en/solutions/volocity

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