"Every car can be self-driving" — When Shark Tank mentor Mark Cuban highlighted the importance of making AI accessible to everyone

Mark Cuban, the entrepreneur, and Shark Tank mentor, shared his views on AI accessibility and its potential during a conversation on the Flagrant podcast hosted by Andrew Schulz and Akaash Singh. The episode, which aired on October 2, 2024, offered Cuban’s insights into the advancements and limitations of AI technology.

Cuban discussed the importance of making AI practical and safe for widespread use, illustrating his points with examples ranging from self-driving cars to innovative city infrastructure.

“Every car can be self-driving. Every delivery can be self driving. You can start building buildings where Elon has one of his trucks and they just back in and there's no human involved,” Cuban stated.

Cuban’s discussion highlighted his perspective on the challenges of AI development and the measures needed to ensure its reliability. He also shared his thoughts about creating a balance between innovation and safety, and his vision for AI integration in daily life and infrastructure.

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Mark Cuban on the reliability of AI: Lessons from everyday scenarios

During his conversation with Andrew Schulz and Akaash Singh, Mark Cuban drew parallels between AI’s current capabilities and the basic instincts of animals. He explained that while AI has made significant advancements, its decision-making processes remain limited when faced with unfamiliar situations. Using self-driving cars as an example, he noted:

“If it hasn’t seen something before, it’s going to f**k up. It’s going to run into that.”

He compared this to a dog’s ability to assess and respond to new environments, underscoring the gap between AI and human-like intuition. To address these challenges, Cuban advocated for controlled environments to improve AI safety.

He proposed urban infrastructure changes such as elevated or underground pedestrian crossings to reduce the risk of accidents involving autonomous vehicles.

“If you take pedestrians out of the equation, every car can safely be self-driving,” he explained.

This approach, according to Cuban, could accelerate the adoption of AI in transportation while mitigating potential risks. Cuban also discussed potential applications beyond transportation, envisioning cities where automation streamlines everyday activities.

He cited examples like automated delivery systems integrated directly into residential buildings, allowing for seamless logistics and convenience. These innovations, he said, demonstrate the broader potential of AI to enhance urban living when implemented responsibly.

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The future of AI and its role in society

During the podcast, Mark Cuban explored both the exciting possibilities and the risks associated with AI development. While acknowledging the fears of AI-driven scenarios resembling science fiction, he pointed out that such outcomes remain distant.

“Until AI is as smart as a puppy, it’s not going to be all that great a risk,” he remarked, highlighting the limitations of current AI systems.

Mark Cuban also highlighted scenarios where AI advancements could introduce ethical and security concerns, such as the development of autonomous drones. He noted:

“You’re going to see these drone attacks, controlled by AI, and that’s going to be scary.”

However, he stressed the importance of proactive measures to regulate and guide AI innovations responsibly. Looking ahead, Mark Cuban emphasized the value of collaboration in advancing AI for societal benefit.

He expressed support for AI applications that prioritize public welfare, such as healthcare and infrastructure.

“My mission is to disrupt the healthcare industry,” he shared, underscoring his focus on using technology to address systemic challenges.

By advocating for practical solutions and responsible innovation, he highlighted the steps necessary to make AI accessible and beneficial for everyone.

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