AI - the beginning of the end or just useful?

Professor Reiner Heckel from the Technical University in Munich, one of the most prominent scientists for machine learning and artificial intelligence in the German-speaking world, was our guest this week together with Constanze Zawadzky, Lead Art and Culture at IPAI (Innovation Park AI).

As part of the Bergson Academy, the evening focused on the advantages of "AI" and how it is finding its way into our daily lives. Prof. Heckel reported on his experience with AI and autonomous driving in the USA and also discussed the energy consumption associated with computing power. He also highlighted the usefulness of AI and the great opportunities it offers for science and research. On the other hand, the discussion also addressed the recurring question of the potential superiority that "AI" could develop. The starting point for this was the comment by the current Nobel Prize winner for physics, Geoffrey Hinton, who commented on the news of the award ceremony with the following words, among others: "No one really knows if we will be able to control it".

Constanze Zawadzky reported on the construction of the IPAI in Heilbronn: the largest ecosystem for artificial intelligence in Europe is being created in the Innovation Park AI. Small, medium-sized and large companies, start-ups, AI talents and public sector players are working there on AI-based software products and solutions. The background to this was a competition run by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labor and Tourism.

It also provided exciting insights into the opportunities that the project already offers for engaging with AI, such as educational and matchmaking formats, infrastructure offerings, programs and awards.

The subsequent Q&A session once again addressed the fears associated with the negative consequences of AI and also discussed the issues of copyright and the further possibilities for the use of AI.

Conclusion: An exciting and very informative evening with a topic that we will certainly encounter again at the Academy.