digital York Logo

Chance to chat to robots at free York Festival of ideas event

YORK Festival of Ideas will offer a glimpse of the future with robots, driverless cars and talks on the latest developments in the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

28 May 2019


Taking place on Sunday, June 9, at the University of York, the Festival Focus Day, Artificial Intelligence: Looking to the future, features a day of talks from experts as well as hands-on interactive activities. The free event includes a chance to watch cars being parked without anyone at the wheel, and to chat to robots and have a go at programming them.

Expert speakers will explore whether AI will improve healthcare, the future of driverless cars, and whether we should be worried about technologies emerging from the ‘Fourth Industrial revolution’.

The Festival Focus Day is presented in partnership with the Assuring Autonomy International Programme (AAIP), which is supported by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation and the University of York.

Prof John McDermid, who leads the programme, said: “From electronic personal assistants to smart thermostats that learn our behaviour, AI is already here. The technology is developing rapidly and AI and autonomous systems will come to change every part of our lives.

“This day of talks and interactive activities is a chance to look at the huge potential of robotics and autonomous systems. It’s also an opportunity to take stock and discuss the challenges of assuring their safety as we move forward into the future.”

Talks throughout the day require a free ticket, but a hands-on exhibition, which is suitable for all ages, is drop-in.

Speakers at the event include Carl Benedikt Frey and Michael Wooldridge of the University of Oxford; Praminda Caleb-Solly of the University of the West of England; Claire Jepson of Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust; Helen Weatherly of the University of York; Kirsty Lloyd-Jukes of Latent Logic; and Dave Baldwin of Thatcham Research.

Established and coordinated by the University of York, York Festival of Ideas runs from 4 June to 16 June and will present over 200 mostly free events under the banner of A World of Wonder. Featuring world-class speakers, exhibitions, theatre, music, films, guided walks, family-friendly activities and more, the programme offers something for all ages and interests.

Other Festival Focus Days will explore complex issues including poverty, toleration and how to deliver a fair economy for all. Audiences will also have the chance to join in with discussions about the value of higher education to society and the relationship between creativity and science. How cultural identity in France and Britain is expressed by food, fashion and feminism will also be discussed.

Last year’s York Festival of Ideas attracted an audience of over 40,000 and was the winner of the Outstanding Cultural Festival (Large) at the York Culture Awards. It scooped the award for Best Cultural Event or Festival the previous year.

This year’s Festival begins on 4 June with an evening launch event in partnership with York Minster hosted by distinguished journalist Anne McElvoy. She will introduce Astronomer Royal and bestselling author Martin Rees; award-winning journalist and author Misha Glenny and former Beirut hostage, humanitarian and author Terry Waite.

On the day of the launch, BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme will also be broadcast from the University of York in front of a live audience.

Book tickets at yorkfestivalofideas.com.

 

*Credited to The York Press / Haydn Lewis - https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/17668575.chance-to-chat-to-robots-at-free-york-festival-of-ideas-event/

 

© DIGITAL YORK 2024. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Contact Details


Lindsay Wilkinson - Digital City Executive

Contact Number - 07879 415784

Contact Email - [email protected]

 

Ben Atkin - Digital City Officer

Contact Number - 01904 552999

Contact Email - [email protected]

 

UFO Careline Team

Contact Number - 0800 2300 272

 

YOUR DETAILS

YOUR MESSAGE*


* Required Field

Privacy Policy:  We will never share your information with anyone. We will only contact you with regards to your enquiry.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 01904 552999