22 September 2011

Is Your Computer Smarter Than You? - A Guide to Artificial Intelligence

'Is your computer smarter than you are?' That’s the question that will be asked during the next Café Science event on Monday, 26th September.

In the 1999 film The Matrix, one of the lead characters tells us that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is 'a singular consciousness that spawned an entire race of machines.'

This, and other science-fiction representations, has lead to many people being terrified of the concept, but Dr Karen Petrie from the University of Dundee’s School of Computing will set the record straight on AI during the Café Science event.

In her talk, Dr Petrie will discuss what AI really is and explain how beneficial it can be for humans. The intriguing discussion on the ability of computers to mimic human intelligence and behaviour will be followed by questions from the audience.

'We've all seen sci-fi films where AI leads to robots taking over the world so it will be something of a relief to have Karen Petrie put our minds at rest,' said Dr Jon Urch, Public Engagement Co-ordinator at the University of Dundee and event organiser.

'It's a fantastic opportunity to find out about the future of computing, which is safer but every bit as exciting as the movies. Half of each Café Science event is set aside to allow the audience to put their questions to the speaker, an expert in this field.'

Café Science was launched in January 2008, and has attracted more than 2500 people since then.

The monthly events are informal discussions led by leading local researchers that allow members of the public the opportunity to learn more about the ground-breaking science happening at the Universities of Dundee and Abertay and Dundee Science Centre.

'Is Your Computer Smarter Than You? - A Guide to Artificial Intelligence’ takes place from 7pm on Monday 26th September, 7pm at Chambers, South Tay Street.

Chambers will be open as normal before the talk. This is a free event and everyone is welcome. There is no need to book in advance but attendees are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

More details of upcoming events can be found on our website at www.cafesciencedundee.co.uk.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277