This is the question that Rob Wortham from the University of Bath will explore at the next Science in Radstock talk on Tuesday, 16th October at 7.30 p.m. at Radstock Working Men’s Club.

Artificial Intelligence is all around us: from Siri, to Google to Facebook, and whether we realise it or not, we interact with it every day. Soon, A.I. will power the new generation of sophisticated robots that might drive our cars and trucks, teach our children at school and help our elderly to live more independent lives.

In his talk, Rob Wortham will explain how and why we might misunderstand robots when we encounter them, why A.I. can be a very powerful tool for manipulation and deception and why we need international standards to regulate A.I. for the benefit of all.

Rob will briefly outline the origins of natural intelligence, the evolution of communication and the mechanisms that humans use to regulate social interaction and go on to show how we can design robots to be more transparent and to achieve good outcomes.

Science in Radstock talks are organised by Radstock Museum volunteers in support of the Museum. Members of the public are welcome.

Jill Parker