Researchers from the University of Akron have proposed a new framework for artificial intelligence (AI) inspired by nature. The framework, called biomimicry, aims to create AI systems that are energy-efficient, ethically responsible, and ecologically embedded. The researchers argue that current AI systems prioritize scale and speed over sustainability, and that a more intentional approach to designing AI systems is needed. By studying natural systems and emulating their efficiency and sustainability, the researchers believe that AI can be designed to be more beneficial and less harmful to the environment.
The framework also addresses questions of ethics and human-AI interaction, suggesting that AI should incorporate principles such as empathy, cooperation, and humility. The researchers propose that biomimicry can help address these challenges by serving as a guide for how AI might evolve in ways that are aligned with life on Earth. The study has been recognized with a Best Oral Presentation Award and will be presented at the Ethics & AI Conference. The researchers hope that their framework will contribute to the development of more sustainable and beneficial AI systems.