Search results for University of New South Wales
AI & Enterprise
Five worst-case scenarios if AI wipes out humanity
Artificial intelligence could threaten humanity through scenarios ranging from losing control to a superintelligence to bioweapons, nuclear war and social collapse. The more realistic risk may be society destabilising itself as mass unemployment, disinformation and political polarisation intensify, rather than AI suddenly attacking humans. University of New South Wales AI researcher Toby Walsh laid out five scenarios and said assessments should consider both current AI capabilities and real-world social impact.
AI & Enterprise
Cyborg cockroach rescue team with camera and syringe enters rubble instead of rescuers
Australian researchers have developed a cyborg cockroach designed to deliver first aid to survivors in environments that rescuers struggle to access, such as collapsed buildings or caves. The biohybrid robot combines a live insect’s mobility with a camera and a tiny injection device. A joint team from the University of Queensland and the University of New South Wales tested the system, reporting high injection success at close range but lower overall mission success.
General News
Three reasons aliens may struggle to reach Earth even at light speed
Even if alien civilizations exist, there are clear physical constraints that could keep them from visiting Earth, a researcher said. Carol Oliver of the University of New South Wales’ Sydney campus cited three reasons: the immense distances in space, the enormous energy required for interstellar travel and the potential dangers of Earth’s environment to non-adapted life. She also said the limited reach and short history of human observations make the lack of contact unsurprising.
