Re-imagining intelligent machines in an anthropocentric-ecocentric continuum: The case for ecocentric intelligent machines

Abstract

The history of machines traces back to the dawn of human civilization, reflecting the intertwined journey of exploration, invention, and discoveries. From ancient simple machines to remarkable innovations like the Antikythera mechanism and automatons, the evolution of machines has been a testament to human ingenuity. In the 21st century, a new era of machines emerges, characterized by intelligence, connectivity, and autonomy. The purpose of the article is two-fold. Firstly, it provides a historical view of the evolution of machines and aims to characterize their future functional attributes in a rapidly changing, technology-driven 21st-century society. Secondly, it discusses the need to prioritize the eco-centered and sustainable design of these systems as opposed to traditional performance-centered practices. To this end, the article starts by presenting a literature review on the evolution and the characteristics of future intelligent machines. We argue that there is a need to reconsider the purpose of the future intelligent machines in the anthropocentrism–ecocentrism continuum. To support this argument, the current approaches to designing these systems and the sustainability concerns related to future characteristics of them are discussed. The article concludes with remarks on different strategies aiming to provide a roadmap to aid the creators of the future connected, intelligent, and autonomous systems to maximize their positive impact and ensure continuous growth of technological development while protecting the environment and addressing societal needs.