Every Tuesday, get to know a bit about the stories behind the books you love, and discover your next favourite novel.
Rachel: Today we’re pleased to welcome back Macy Lewis to talk about her newest book, Infinite Intelligence! Can you tell us a little about it?
Macy: Aria Marsh works as a line manager at super factory Fitton’s Fixtures, Fittings, and Fancy Goods. Employees from a range of disabled communities produce lawnmowers and sewing machines to lighting fixtures, furniture, and wheelchairs. It even houses a call center, connecting disabled individuals to government services.
When Aria brings Nigel—her Natural Interactive Guide for Enhanced Living—the AI program her husband Jasper designed to help her with everyday tasks that requires visual assistance to the factory, Nigel’s ability to control the factory machines and internal computer network make everyone uneasy. When a team of AI-powered robotic police officers go rogue at an airport, harming a family, the characters are forced to question whether humanity will survive or be ruled by AI?
Rachel: That sounds unfortunately timely. I guess I don’t need to ask what inspired it!
Macy: My inspiration for Infinite Intelligence came from my own use of screen reading technology, fears of AI taking over the world, and trying to get used to AI being present in the world forever more.
Screen readers make my phone and computer accessible. There are numerous apps that use AI or human assistants in real time to help with everyday life. I couldn’t forget the virtual assistants found on our phones and homes, as well as the chatbot programs and the smaller robots who are connected to our Wi-Fi.
I tried to combined the best features from all the technology we have today and create a super screen reader who could help Aria navigate her world.
Rachel: What are some of the questions your book grapples with?
Macy: With AI having no regulation at the moment, I asked the following questions, some are answered in Infinite Intelligence and some I’ll have to answer in the next book.
Would AI outsmart humans without regulations?
If AI takes over, how would we as a human race react to it? Would we survive, or would AI start walking among us, trying to be human?
If we had humans and robots living together, what would that look like and how would we differentiate between robots and humans?
What will it take to get AI regulated so we don’t end up in a war of Man VS. Technology?
What’s the line of AI helping and hindering us?
You can find Infinite Intelligence at your favorite online bookstore, but I’m also on:
Night Beats Extended Universe 