Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been the Holy Grail of computer science ever since the 1960s with the promise of intelligent human-like machines. Press stories warn that intelligent computers are about to take over the world and Steven Hawking warned of dire consequences.  Geoff Hinton, one of the founders of modern AI, and others have pointed out the dangers of unregulated future developments and dangerous consequences for humanity. 

Alistair Sutcliffe, emeritus professor at The University of Manchester, will explain how AI systems work as learning machines and their dependence on ‘big data’.

Current applications of AI will be surveyed with a review of successes, failures and problems arising from their use.

Alistair will go on to discuss the implications of AI being dominated by large IT companies in USA and China and how AI has become embedded in nearly all internet technology, especially social media. The potential impact on employment and future influences on society will be reviewed including ChatGPT and the evolution of general intelligence and its implications for politics, society and our everyday lives.