Towards symbiotic autonomous systems

Starting in the second half of the last century, the widespread use of computers has significantly changed the lifestyles of humankind. Since then, with the explosive and perhaps disruptive developments in digital technology, the internet and Internet of Things and artificial intelligence have promoted a growing interaction among humans and machines, with technology capable of extending human capabilities (augmentation) and making devices seamlessly interact with humans. In the longer term, there is a growing consensus that this will create symbiotic autonomous systems (SASs). Although this is a trend that will see maturity possibly in the next decade, research and industry interest are already strong, resulting in several concrete results ready to hit the market. What matters most in the context of SASs is the varying degrees of autonomy they have, their capability to evolve (e.g. to learn and adapt), and their ability to interact with their environment, between themselves, and with humans. Hence, SAS is a class of advanced information and control technology that has gradually evolved, based on cybernetics, information theory, artificial intelligence, bionics, neurophysiology and computer science. At the same time, it has also promoted the joint development and mutual penetration of multiple fields such as microelectronics, life sciences and automation technology. In all future areas, SASs will become a seamless extension of our body and mind and an integral part of our life.