Une journée avec Ange, mon assistant personnel 2.0

An article from Risk-Monger

Tuesday, September 12, 2028, 07:34 AM.

Ange, my personal robot assistant 2.0, woke me up at the end of a light sleep phase with gentle music from my playlist determined by my heart rate. My bed was raised in a comfortable position to help me get up. I received several reminders for the day, a few birthdays, the weather, and some light news.

Based on the data collected overnight by my sensors (blood pressure, glucose levels, inflammation, stress…) combined with what I consumed in the past 24 hours, Ange adjusted my morning medication and determined the optimal breakfast menu. It also recommended a fitness program for the day, even though it knows very well that I rarely follow its advice.

During breakfast, Ange read me the newspaper headlines while monitoring my stress level to ensure that my digestion would not be disrupted. Regarding the financial markets, it informed me of movements in my portfolio and, by analyzing the latest published data, recommended several investment adjustments. I approved, and Ange made the transactions at the best time.

After a brief workout session with inspiring music tailored to my blood pressure and stress level, Ange informed me of important messages for the day, and we composed the replies. Today, I am going to have coffee with John, an old friend. Ange has been in contact with his personal assistant 2.0, Providence, and based on our moods and energy levels, they have determined that we will meet at a certain café (Providence and Ange have made the reservation for us).

I plugged Ange into my car, and it drove me to the café following the best route. On the way, we passed by a mutual friend. Providence and Ange suggested inviting her to join us at the café. John declined, and Providence informed Ange that he had been very stressed lately. I blocked the sharing of my mood and health information with other personal assistants. John did not do the same because he is undergoing therapy.

As I am retired, Ange helps me occupy my days, follow a balanced diet, and stay healthy. John is still working, and Providence has been of great help to him in better time management and staying informed. I am starting to show signs of aging. Ange helps me keep my brain active by reminding me of the names of people approaching me, monitoring my health and mental state. In a few years, when I finally decide to move into a serviced residence, Ange will be a key element of my healthcare and overall well-being (connected to the Residence 2.0 Personal Assistant).

After coffee, I spent a few hours reading and surfing online. When I ask, Ange provides me with context on topics and informs me about the credibility and funding sources of the websites. When I doubt certain information, I let him know, and he directs me to other sites or provides relevant information. Unlike most people, I have set Ange to warn me when it believes I am wrong.

Later in the afternoon, I did a running/walking session. Considering my carbohydrate and protein levels, air quality readings, and weather conditions, Ange recommended the route and monitored my vital signs remotely. I could have taken my robot with me (it is small enough), but I also needed some time for myself. I feel like running a 10 km and, based on my data, Ange detects it. I know, given my current fitness level, that I should not do it, but if I decide to do this race, Ange will be my personal trainer.

Upon my return, dinner groceries arrived according to the nutritional program recommended by Ange. It gives me choices based on the particular flavors I want to enjoy, but after years of such decisions, its algorithms are quite good at predicting what I like. After dinner, my vital signs slow down, and Ange detects that a nap would be welcome, so it gradually dims the lights and plays ambient music. I wake up from a light sleep phase with the smell of coffee and a news program. Ange shares my comment on a local event, and we evaluate a service we received.

Considering my day, physical and mental health data, and diet, Ange suggests several streaming shows to watch, articles to read, and music to listen to. It is organized in a way that I gradually enter a state of rest, ready for optimal sleep. The lights and room temperature adjust slowly as my sensors indicate that I am falling asleep.

End of the day at 11:27 PM.

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Unlike young people who use their personal assistants for entertainment, going to school or work, and meeting new people, Ange has been essential in keeping me on a stable path of quality of life, health, and happiness. My children, busy with their lives on the other side of the world, are regularly informed, and Ange organizes calls with their personal assistants when the timing and mood are most appropriate. There are certain things that Ange is not allowed to communicate to them (and they lie to me too). I firmly control Ange, but I also recognize (and appreciate) the wealth of data and information it manages for me.

Five years ago, when all technologies began to converge under the general term at the time known as AI, many people warned of the dangers of this technology and its effects on humanity. These critics were similar to those in the early 1900s who warned that the telephone would destroy society. They did everything they could to try to stop or slow down the process, but they afforded themselves the luxury of protecting wealthy populations, while others lived in need. As our aging society lacks the workforce to care for the elderly (as well as for education and basic services), these personal assistants have become essential, even vital.

I couldn’t imagine my life without my Ange.