Will robots take over the world?

REEM Robot

One of society’s hottest topics – how robots and humans could work together – is the subject of what looks like being a fascinating discussion next week.

The debate called ‘Robot World’ on Thursday (October 26) is part of Manchester Science Festival.

It is taking place at the Manchester Science Partnership technology park’s Bright Building.

The interactive discussion will explore the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on jobs. It will also consider the pros and cons of the rise of robots in our everyday lives.

From automation in manufacturing, to the use of AI in the recruitment process, the session will discover how close we are to living in a robot world and what the impact on society might be.

Robot World features a panel discussion with a number of academics, thinkers, business leaders and entrepreneurs from across the region.

They include: David Levine chief executive officer of Digital Bridge, Dan Jamieson, founder and chief executive officer of Biorelate, Jonathan Shapiro, reader at the School of Computer Science at the University of Manchester; Robin Pinning from the Hartree Centre and Tim Ng, chief technology officer at tele-medicine company Now Healthcare Group.

The discussion will be moderated by noted academic professor Haifa Takruri, associate dean of engagement in the School of Computing, Science and Engineering at the University of Salford.

Anne Dornan, head of innovation and partnerships at MSP, said: “MSP is passionate about igniting curiosity in the power of science and technology and our support of the Manchester Science Festival provides a perfect platform for us to do so.”

Antonio Benitez, director of the Manchester Science Festival which started yesterday (Thursday, October 19) and runs until Sunday, October 29, said: “The ways in which the rise of robots will affect our lives is a fascinating theme running throughout many of this year’s festival events.

“Nowhere is the advance of robotics more notable than at work, be it through automation or developments in AI, and this event promises to be a fascinating insight into what our future workplaces may look like, featuring experts from some of the most cutting-edge companies in Manchester.”

MSP is an active supporter of the Manchester Science Festival through its long-standing and close partnership with Manchester’s Museum of Science & Industry, which delivers the festival every October.

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