14 March 2005

Judy the robot makes Dundee debut

Photo opportunity with Tom Sgouros and Judy the Robot, 5.45pm, Tuesday 15 March, Bonar Hall, University of Dundee

The University of Dundee's Department of Psychology will host the acclaimed Tom Sgouros play, 'Judy' or 'What it is like to be a robot', in attempt to find answers about the intelligence of robots.

Since the dawn of the computer age, scientists and academics have been researching the intelligence of computers but they have never tried interviewing a computer and asking its opinion.

In this play intrepid researcher Sgouros does just that by conducting interviews with Judy the robot to answer questions such as, if you build a robot smart enough to do the dishes, will it also be smart enough to find them boring?

In a play full of discovery, comedy and song Tom interviews his hand made robot, Judy, ultimately trying to determine, 'Can machines think?

Dr Ben Tatler, Department of Psychology said, "The play has received rave reviews across the United States and the Psychology Department are delighted to welcome Judy to Dundee."

The public are invited to attend and entrance is free. No tickets required.

The play starts at 6.00pm on Tuesday 15th March at the Bonar Hall, University of Dundee.

Please contact Ben Tatler in the Department of Psychology for further information on 01382 348260

By Angela Durcan, Press Officer 01382 344768, out of hours: 07968298585, a.durcan@dundee.ac.uk