Swindon Science Cafe- AI and why we should all be worried

Join us for an informal evening of discovery and discussion, with Alan Winfield, Professor of Robot Ethics at the University of the West of England (UWE).

A number of influential writers have written of the ‘existential threat' of advanced Artificial Intelligence. Their argument revolves around what they call ’the singularity’: the moment that AI exceeds human intelligence and decides that humans are redundant.

Alan Wingfield thinks that argument is deeply flawed, but - at the same time - he believes that the new generation of generative AI and Large Language Models poses significant dangers. Join the discussion he outlines the threats including physical and psychological harms to individuals; societal threats, and environmental threats. The latter because of the huge energy and water costs of the most powerful AIs.

Alan Winfield is Professor of Robot Ethics at the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol, UK, Visiting Professor at the University of York, and Associate Fellow of the Cambridge Centre for the Future of Intelligence.

Alan co-founded the Bristol Robotics Laboratory where his research is focussed on the science, engineering and ethics of cognitive robotics. Alan is an advocate for robot ethics; he chairs the advisory board of the Responsible Technology Institute at the University of Oxford and has co-drafted new standards on ethical risk assessment and transparency.

SWINDON SCIENCE CAFE

Science Cafes are an informal opportunity to explore the latest ideas in science and technology. Rather than a long lecture, you can expect a lively, two-way conversation with a researcher - over a drink or two!

Everyone is welcome to come and express their views or just enjoy a drink and listen. No scientific knowledge is needed to take part - just bring your curiosity, and maybe your own bottle of choice.

WHEN: The first Tuesday of each month from 7pm - 9pm.

WHERE: Innovation Centre for Applied Sustainable Technologies (iCAST) Creative Hub located in the iconic Carriage Works. 10 Carriage Works, Unit 7B, London Street, Swindon, SN1 5FBEnter the following three words into the What Three Words app to find the exact location:

Front entrance: ///friday.index.solo

Rear entrance: ///cups.shell.face

REFRESHMENTS: A selection of light refreshments will be available in return for a donation, or you are welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks with you. Please bring cash with you for donations to cover the costs of drinks on the night.

Swindon Science Cafe is organised by:

The Festival of Tomorrow

The Royal Agriculture University

Swindon and Wiltshire Institute of Technology

The University of Bath Innovation Centre for Applied Sustainable Technologies (iCAST)

Please note that filming/photography will take place at this event for promotional purposes. The photographs made may appear on the organising committee websites, on social media or in press releases relating to the event.

If you would prefer not to be photographed please let the organisers know.