Story：The faultless machine
【明報專訊】IN a munitions factory, workers made military weapons and ammunition following a machine's orders. A machine with artificial intelligence. This machine beat many top-notch ones in playing chess, designing products, and most importantly, commanding troops!
The factory workers received a rather ridiculous order. ''Make as many Christmas presents as possible. Make sure that every child in the country will get one.''
Workers started guessing the machine's intention. ''Perhaps they'll be used as bait to deceive our enemies! I heard that there'll be a propaganda war.'' One said.
''Stop the chatter. Start working.'' But when the machine gave its order, people all shut up and started putting the pedal to the medal.
There were many things that the machine won't make. Some workers knitted sweaters, some knitted scarves, and some knitted rag dolls.
It was Christmas Eve and almost 11 o'clock. Workers couldn't wait to see their families.
''A mistake.'' One of them said with fury. Yes indeed. The fortunate thing was that it was a blissful mistake. A man came out. It was their company's CEO!
''Sorry for the trick guys! This time I placed the order, not the machine. But why did you stop working? Hurry! Dispatch the gifts to all your families and others and wish all children in the country a Merry Christmas!''
(by Ian Lam)
◆Food for thought
Projects to develop artificial intelligence are on the boil around the world. But are they really reliable? All in all, machines are controlled by human beings. What's your thought on this?
■Gear up
Answer the following questions after reading the story.
(1)The factory originally makes ( sweaters / Christmas gifts / weapons ) .
(2) _____________ placed the order this time.
(3) The gifts are made for ( propaganda war / children / robots).
(Answers on next text)
■Glossary
munitions (n) 軍火
bait (n) 餌
propaganda (n) 宣傳
put the pedal to the medal (idiom) 全力以赴
[Smarties' Power English 第297期]
