In 1948, mathematician Norbert Wiener published “Cybernetics: or, Control and Communication in the Animal and the Machine” establishing the foundation for studying the process of using information to govern activities in living beings and in machines. He described the flow of information from monitor (sensors/senses) through communication channel (signaling network/nervous system), to controller (processor/brain) that outputs decisions resulting in information feedback used to govern physiologic or mechanical activities. Since that publication the term cybernetics evolved in fiction and in reality together with our use of information and communication technology, or our imagination on technology. Prefix cyber- is related to involving, using, or relating to computers, and especially the Internet.

Cyber-symbiosis describes relationship between humans and machines in the realm of information collection, communication, transformation and interpretation, with objective to augment ability to learn, understand, make judgements or opinions.

I posted the above writing in March 2018 (https://cybersymbiosis.com/2018/03/12/the-journey-begins/).

It’s June 2024. The humanity has entered a new era in its symbiosis with science and technology, an Artificial Intelligence era. I was already convinced 3 years ago that AI can save human lives (read how it saved my life). But it can also take human lives, just like the most of other technologies. Well, let’s focus on it’s benefits and leave the rest to Rick Deckard, at least for now.

Digital twins and omniverses

Let’s reflect upon the scale of cybersymbiotic transformation.

The digital revolution of the 1980s and 1990s marked a significant shift from physical to digital realms, driven by the advent of Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) and microprocessors. This transformation, vividly described by Nicolas Negroponte in his seminal 1995 book, “Being Digital,” laid the groundwork for a society increasingly influenced by digital technology. Negroponte’s vision emphasized the transition from tangible atoms to intangible bits, fundamentally altering how we interact with information and technology. This shift paved the way for advancements that continue to shape our digital landscape today.

The Architecture Machine, Nicolas Negroponte 1969

In the 21st century humanity created assisted flying, assisted driving, autonomous flying and driving, robots that autonomously or with very little human interaction explore other planets, nanobots, macrobots, industrial robots, consumer robots, robotic limbs, exoskeletons, and a myriad of other real-world examples of cybersymbiosis (whether robots directly or inderectly assist humans in achieving human-defined objectives). But 2024, is a very special year because we have formally introduces industrial omniverse that spans all levels of society, from home, through schools, hospitals, fields, factories, banks, to governmental organizations.

Dr. Roland Busch, Siemens CEO, explained what is the industrial metaverse at CES 2024, the largest consumer electronics trade show in the world. The key terms are:
•Digital twins of real-world objects that simulate behaviour;

•Software defined automation – virtual programmable logical controllers (PLC) that use high-level software code;

•Big Data and AI on edge devices – Industrial co-pilots, and accessible Machine Learning libraries.

The industrial automation has undergone a democratization process, largely fuelled by the advent of digital twins, virtual Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and AI on the edge. Digital twins—virtual replicas of physical objects—allow for real-time simulation and predictive maintenance, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing downtime. Virtual PLCs, which replace traditional hardware with high-level software code, offer cost-effective and scalable solutions for industrial control systems. Furthermore, the deployment of AI on edge devices ensures real-time data processing and decision-making at the source, minimizing latency and enhancing the responsiveness of industrial operations. These technologies collectively make sophisticated automation tools accessible to a broader range of industries, fostering innovation and efficiency across sectors.

And how easily accessible all above is, the best illustration in my opinion provides Nvidia with its Omniverse. Every personal computer with a decent graphic card can run the local omniverse platform to create and use digital twins of components, products, systems, or even a hole factory or a city… Simulations could be performed with real-world data, or synthetic data. Moreover, simulations could be performed with support of AI. Now, we may even chat with RTX, and our own data locally, without uploading personal data to data centres in clouds…

Protecting humans, and machines

Let’s come back to Rick Deckard who said: “Replicants are like any other machine – they’re either a benefit or a hazard. If they’re a benefit, it’s not my problem.” (replicants are robots from “Blade Runner” film).

Benefits of digital twins, virtual PLCs, and AI, are many, so are the hazards.

In May 2024 RAND has published a report on securing AI model weights. It provides threat modelling, and a valuable classification of risks by negative impact. Most importantly, it provides useful risk treatment recommendations. But it’s only a starting point, since the symbiotic progress and use cases of AI on the edge penetrate all levels of society at exponential rate.

As AI and edge computing become integral to industrial processes, ensuring the security and privacy of data pipelines is paramount. Zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) offer an effective and efficient solution by enabling one party to prove the validity of a statement without revealing the underlying data. This approach is particularly valuable in preserving privacy and maintaining trust in B2B environments. By implementing ZKPs, organizations can ensure compliance with data protection regulations, enhance governance, and maintain auditability. This method allows for the functional segregation of edge inference systems from AI model managers, reducing exposure to privacy breaches and fostering confidence in the security of industrial data exchanges. Practical implementations of zero-knowledge proofs in cryptographic schemas have advanced significantly over the last 5 years through WEB3 and related metaverses, in the form of ZK-rollups (I have given talks and presentations about that at GISEC, GITEX, and CISO 360 conferences in 2021 and 2022, as well as at my Webster University lectures).

Functional segregation of edge inference systems and AI Model Manager systems reduces exposure of privacy and customer sensitive information, consequently improving compliance with data protection regulation and B2B confidence in manufacturing supply chain.

       Edge identities could be grouped by function, service, trust segments, or other criteria that satisfies B2B trust and regulatory requirements.
The schema can be implemented in many different industries and business scenarios: clinical research, decentralized finance, credit rating, portfolio optimization, …

In 2024 I have given several talks on operational technology convergence with information technology, on industrial metaverse, digital twins, and AI on the edge, and how to address related risks (Intersec in Dubai, CISO 360 in Las Vegas, and CISO 360 in Marseille). Here are my latest slides from CISO 360 in Marseille.

From atom to bits, from bits to subatomic particles

Looking ahead, the integration of AI with quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum communication promises to revolutionize digital modelling of complex business processes. However, this integration must be approached with a commitment to ethical, transparent, and responsible practices. By adopting a “safe by design” approach, developers can ensure that these advanced technologies are deployed in a manner that safeguards against potential risks and promotes sustainability. Quantum computing, combined with AI’s predictive capabilities, can transform industries ranging from healthcare to finance. Quantum sensing can enhance precision in various applications, while quantum communication can secure data transmission against even the most sophisticated cyber threats. Together, these technologies can create a resilient and efficient digital infrastructure, driving innovation while upholding the highest standards of ethics and safety.

Let’s begin the quantum symbiosis journey by calling to action for awareness and advocacy for secure technology. Here are my slides from a talk at American International Club of Geneva earlier this month.