The Future of Human-Machine Interfaces

TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving) has a well-known law according to which the development of technical systems is aimed at increasing their degree of ideality. An ideal technical system is characterized by minimal physical parameters — its weight, volume and area tend to zero, while the ability to perform a given function is not lost. In other words, an ideal system becomes practically invisible, but retains its functionality at a high level.

In recent years, we have seen the idea of the ideal system being realized in three key areas of human-machine interface development:

• Context-aware program interfaces. Classic interfaces are being replaced by compact predictive solutions such as voice control, recommendation search and GPT chats. These technologies free the user from routine actions by utilizing context, making interaction with systems more intuitive.
• Context-aware physical interfaces. The development of large language models and high-speed internet is fostering the emergence of new ergonomic devices that enable AI-assisted applications in various domains without the need for self-input.
• Unlimited expansion of interface boundaries. Today's software and physical technologies aim to create seamless interfaces. Neurointerfaces, holography, IoT sensors, smart cities, wearable devices and augmented reality are not just making life easier, but transforming the perception of reality for both humans and machines.

By extending interfaces, we hoped to open up new possibilities for controlling machines. However, as a result, we have created a window of opportunity for machines in the human world. Machines have access to vast amounts of information, which they can process and comprehend with a depth not available to humans. As a result, they are transforming from mere tools into full-fledged actors capable not only of interpreting reality at a level approaching human perception, but also of changing it.

Controlled explosion of technological singularity

Friedrich Nietzsche, in his work Thus Spoke Zarathustra (1883-1885), introduced the idea of the superhuman (Übermensch), a being who transcended human limitations and weaknesses. Today, this vision is reflected in the concept of technological singularity — the moment when artificial intelligence (AI) will surpass human intelligence.

The concept of a technological singularity was first outlined in the mid-1960s by British mathematician Irving John Good, who in his article "Speculations Concerning the First Ultraintelligent Machine" suggested that the mental capabilities of a superintelligent machine would surpass those of humans and lead to an "intelligence explosion". Good speculated:

• "Thinking" abilities of a super-intelligent machine will surpass those of any human being, including designing even more advanced machines, resulting in an "intelligence explosion."
• A super intelligent machine will be the last invention of mankind if it can be controlled.
• The introduction of a super-intelligent machine will lead to significant changes in society and the economy, including the replacement of humans in various activities.
• One of the key tasks of super intelligent machines is to estimate the probabilities of events that have not previously occurred.

The concept of the singularity was popularized in the early 1990s in an essay by mathematician and writer Werner Vinge, "The Coming Technological Singularity: How to Survive in the Post-Human Era". Winge proposed four scenarios for achieving the singularity, each of which is being realized to some extent today:

1. Creating superintelligence through artificial intelligence. Machines will become smart enough to improve themselves.
2. Brain-computer interfaces. People will be able to connect directly to computers, greatly increasing their intellectual capabilities.
3. Biological enhancements. Advances in biotechnology will greatly increase human intelligence.
4. Network and organizational improvements. Global networks and collective intelligent systems will become so powerful that they will begin to function as superintelligence.

Vinge believed that the Singularity was inevitable due to the exponential growth of computing power and advances in AI, and suggested that this event could occur as early as the first half of the 21st century. Futurist Ray Kurzweil, in his book The Singularity is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology, suggested that the singularity will occur by 2045, when machines will become not just assistants, but equal partners, and perhaps even our teachers.

Ethical challenges and possible threats. However, there are also serious risks associated with these prospects. For example, Nick Bostrom, in his TED talk "What happens when our computers get smarter than we are?" warns that uncontrolled use of AI could lead to catastrophic consequences if AI decides to transform the entire planet to maximize the efficiency of the task at hand.

It is important not only to limit choices, but also to correctly envision and clearly define goals for AI. We can anticipate threats and plan workarounds, but we cannot shut down a system on which we ourselves depend, or if the system can "shut us down".

AI can be placed in a virtual simulation of reality, but there is no assurance that it will not find a way around this isolation. It is important to ensure that AI, if it leaves the virtual environment, remains on the side of humanity and shares our values. These values must be considered not only in known contexts, but also in uncertain futures where new ethical dilemmas may arise.

Solomon's ring: controlling the djinn

In the legends of King Solomon, the ring gave the king power over demons and supernatural beings, providing wisdom and control over forces that were beyond the reach of ordinary people. In today's world, this image is reflected in the physical component of new types of interfaces.

Interfaces will not require training; rather, they will train users to interact better to achieve the desired result. Learning and honing the skill of blind typing techniques on a keyboard takes hundreds of hours. Users learn key placement and train themselves to type quickly and accurately without having to look at the keyboard. Similarly, switching to a new program or operating system was a barrier to using a variety of programs.

AI advances have resulted in the development of intuitive and adaptive interfaces. Today, voice assistants Siri, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant allow users to interact with technology using natural language. Users don't need to learn commands or menus — just ask a question or give a command.

Interfaces will become fully personalized. The execution of tasks by machines will be driven by context rather than specific requests, leading to truly personalized assistants. Research McKinsey & Company и Salesforce shows that about 70% of consumers expect personalized interactions from companies, and about 70% of them are disappointed when it doesn't happen. These expectations are driving companies to invest in technology that can more accurately anticipate user needs and deliver relevant solutions. In fact, personalization has already become the new norm.

Alexa and Google Assistant voice assistants are already adapting to user requests based on previous interactions and the current situation. In the future, such systems will become contextually aware, taking into account the user's schedule, habits, preferences and emotional state. Analysis of behavior and preferences will allow interfaces to adapt to needs and anticipate actions.

Interfaces will more actively use multimodal approach and extra-textual ways of interaction. Multimodal interfaces will combine several channels of information input and output: biometric state, body position, gestures, gaze, facial expressions, voice, including its emotional coloring. An example of such technology is Apple Vision Pro, which allows you to control various device functions using hand gestures and eye movements.

New interfaces will make greater use of non-verbal and low-energy interaction methods such as gestures, facial expressions, and biometrics to perform tasks without explicit commands from the user. The data will not be used in isolation, but in combination, creating an overall impression of the user's state. Technologies that recognize and respond to emotional state will combine speech and facial expression analysis for a more accurate and contextualized response. Examples of projects developing these ideas:

• Microsoft Azure Kinect is a platform for building applications that recognize motion and analyze biometric data, used in healthcare, manufacturing and education.
• Microsoft HoloLens allows you to interact with holographic objects in the real world.
• Google Soli uses compact radars to recognize gestures, allowing you to control devices without physical contact.
• Affectiva and Emotient (acquired by Apple) analyze facial expressions and voice tone for real-time emotion recognition. The solutions are used in automobiles to improve safety, retail and marketing to gauge consumer reactions.

The ergonomics of AI-assisted devices will change to more effectively gather information about the user's condition. In the 20s, many innovative devices have hit the market, each offering new ways to interact with the user and the world around them:

• Tab AI. A small disk is worn around the neck and continuously records speech. The recordings are sent to the cloud and processed by AI to transcribe the speech and provide analytics.
• Rabbit R1. A compact device with a touchscreen and rotating camera. The device acts as a personal voice assistant to perform AI-assisted tasks from booking a cab to finding recipes via voice commands.
• Humane AI Pin. A small square device with a gesture recognition camera and a miniature projector attaches to clothing with a magnet. It is controlled by voice and gestures.
• Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. Sunglasses with built-in audio and video features to take photos, record videos, listen to music and take phone calls using voice commands and a touchpad on the temple.

The output of visual information will not require physical displays. Ericsson, for example, has developed a system holographic communication systemwhich allows to create three-dimensional images using ordinary smartphones or tablets. It is also worth noting the products of ARHT Media, which offers solutions for educational institutions and corporate clients, using 4K holographic touch displays to create realistic three-dimensional holograms.

The Delphic Oracle: cooperation with the supermind

Transparency of the interface will be ensured by its asymmetry: wide-channel systems of continuous data collection and compact intuitive decision-making systems. In the concept of collective intelligence, computers process huge amounts of data and propose solutions, while people, relying on their intuition and experience, make the final decisions.

Wide-channel interfaces such as sensors and data analyzers will collect and process vast amounts of information. These systems will function in the background, with little or no direct interaction with the user, but will provide important information for decision-making. For example, in medicine it is the collection of biometric indicators and test results, and in city management - all information about traffic, energy consumption and public safety.

In turn, decision interfaces will be as compact as possible. Sarah Gibbons and Kate Moran of Nielsen Norman Group argue that future interfaces will combine conversational AI with microinterfaces — small, specific interface elements that unobtrusively give users exactly the information and control they need at that moment.

Not only information processing tasks, but also selection tasks will be taken over by machines. With the growth of computing power and the improvement of machine learning algorithms, AI systems will be able not only to collect and analyze data, but also to make complex choices based on it. This means that machines will be able to make decisions in situations that require the evaluation of multiple factors and a quick response:

• Autonomous driving. Already today, Tesla cars with Autopilot make decisions in real time by driving vehicles. Future systems will be able to assess road conditions, predict the behavior of other road users and choose optimal routes with minimal human intervention. In logistics, autonomous trucks like those being developed by Waymo can optimize routes and reduce operating costs.
• Medicine. AI will be able not only to diagnose diseases, but also to choose optimal treatment methods based on the analysis of medical data, genetic information and the latest research conducted, including by the artificial intelligence itself.
• Emergencies. AI systems will play a key role in dealing with emergencies such as natural and man-made disasters. AI will be able to quickly analyze data from drones and satellites, identify the most affected areas and dispatch rescue teams. The systems will also be able to predict the development of emergencies and take measures to prevent them, minimizing damage and losses.

In the future, manual data entry and retrieval will no longer be necessary. Users will set the direction of the system and validate the results. Tools will become describing and explaining mechanisms, allowing people to focus on strategic management and decision making. The high level of trust in AI assistants will lead users to delegate even decision-making tasks to machines. This poses possible dangers associated with over-reliance on AI, including risks of loss of control.

Biotechnological fusion will become possible, which will expand human capabilities and improve the quality of life. Current developments in biotechnology and AI are opening up opportunities for the fusion of biological and technical components that will greatly expand human capabilities and improve quality of life. The article "The Future of Bionics: Prosthetics and Neural Interfaces" (MIT Technology Review, 2021) describes bionic prosthetics that integrate with the user's nervous system, allowing control of movement through thoughts. Research in neural implants, such as described in "Memory Implants: The Next Frontier in Neurotechnology" (Scientific American, 2020), shows promise for improving memory and cognitive abilities. Genetic engineering, discussed in the article "CRISPR and Beyond: The Future of Gene Editing" (Nature, 2019), offers opportunities to change human abilities and improve health.

• Neuralink. Ilon Musk's company that develops implantable neural chips to create brain-computer interfaces. These chips allow users to control computers and other devices with their thoughts.
• Synchron. An implantable device that can transmit brain signals to a computer and does not require open brain surgery.
• DARPA's RAM. A project to create implantable devices to restore memory in soldiers with brain injuries.
• CTRL-Labs (Facebook). The CTRL-Kit bracelet is able to recognize electrical signals from the nerve endings of the hand, allowing you to control gadgets and PCs with minimal finger movements.
• Paradromics. High-speed brain-computer interfaces that help people with severe physical disabilities regain some functions.

Conclusion

The future of human-machine interfaces is an inevitable step towards better integration of technology and everyday life. We are already seeing interfaces become more intuitive, context-aware, and virtually invisible. New interface solutions are blurring the boundaries between man and machine, making technology a natural extension of our capabilities.

However, along with these achievements come serious challenges. The technological singularity, which many futurologists believe is just around the corner, not only opens up new horizons, but also presents risks. It is important to lay down ethical standards and control mechanisms for AI in advance, so that it serves for the benefit of humanity and does not become a threat.

The interfaces of the future, whether neural interfaces or augmented reality, may become our indispensable assistants. But along with empowerment, we will have to take responsibility for their development and use to ensure that technology serves society rather than dictating new rules.