Crazy about science: Robots and AI

In this talk, Thomas Bolander, Professor of Artificial Intelligence, will give an introduction to humanoid robots, their technological behavior and societal perspectives. Hear about the opportunities and challenges of giving humanoid robots a sufficient understanding of the world to be able to navigate the human world robustly and flexibly. How far is the development and what can we expect in the future? The lecture will also discuss ethical and societal issues surrounding the impact of robots on the job market, our way of interacting with each other, and our own human intelligence.

Humanoid robots are human-like robots, that is, robots with arms and legs, which can navigate the world in the same way as us humans. Some fear that these kinds of robots are going to take over all of our jobs. Others hope to one day be able to buy a household robot that can iron clothes, lubricate the bike and put up shelves. And still others think that robots will probably never be smart and skilled enough for either one or the other.

After big language models like ChatGPT have revolutionized artificial intelligence (AI) in recent years, it's natural to wonder what will be the next big breakthrough in AI. Here, humanoid robots are a good bet. The robots are now quite physically capable, and there is intense research into making them sufficiently intelligent as well. But why is it really so difficult to build an intelligent humanoid robot? What does it take for it to understand the world well enough to be able to empty the dishwasher? And so that it can understand when it is helpful and when it is in the way? Do we even want these kinds of robots?

Vild med ScienceThe event is part of the Copenhagen Libraries' festival “Vild med”. The festival takes place in libraries in the municipality of Copenhagen between October and November. Here you will be able to experience non-fiction and scientific lectures and talks for adults on all kinds of topics.

Find all Avid with science events here: Vild med | Københavns Biblioteker