Is Artificial Intelligence Priceless or Perilous?

That was the question posed to a panel of Northern Ireland’s leading technology experts at a unique debate assessing the impact Artificial Intelligence (A.I) could have on businesses in the coming years. Organised by Connect at Catalyst Inc, the event was the first in a series of debates exploring how existing industry and public services will be disrupted by the acceleration of new technologies.

Wednesday 28 June 2017

Is Artificial Intelligence Priceless or Perilous?

That was the question posed to a panel of Northern Ireland’s leading technology experts at a unique debate assessing the impact Artificial Intelligence (A.I) could have on businesses in the coming years.

Organised by Connect at Catalyst Inc, the event was the first in a series of debates exploring how existing industry and public services will be disrupted by the acceleration of new technologies.

Speaking at the debate Dr Gráinne Watson, Senior Innovation Bid Manager at Fujitsu, highlighted the benefits already being brought about by A.I;

“Currently the world is experiencing something of an AI Spring as the level of machine learning around us continues to grow. We have online shopping portals that recommend what to buy, cars with self-driving engines and financial institutions that use AI to make investment decisions. Fujitsu’s own AI system, ‘Zinrai’, incorporates knowledge processing that can provide medical decision-making support and mathematic technology that can help manage air traffic.”

Grainne was joined by Mark Nagurski, Co-Founder of MakeMatic which creates educational video resources, Ciaran Murray from digital engagement consultancy Creative Metrics, Ben Greene from Analytics Engine and Damien Coyle, Professor of Neurotechnology at Ulster University. Emer Maguire, former winner of Famelab UK, moderated the debate.

After listening to the keynote speakers and the ensuing debate, attendees were asked to vote on the question ‘Artificial Intelligence: Priceless or Perilous? An overwhelming majority, 87%, voted that A.I would be a ‘priceless’ addition to industry and public services.

“In our experience, the benefits of A.I to business are indeed priceless” adds Grainne. “Locally, NI has vibrant clusters in some of ICT’s most promising and important fields including data analytics, cyber security and the Internet of Things. If we are to take advantage of the wealth of economic and social benefits that come from digital innovation in areas such as A.I, this experience needs to be leveraged further through collaboration between industry, government, our universities and local businesses.”

Talking about the debate series, Steve Orr, Director of Connect said;

“The impact of the 4th Industrial Revolution could make Brexit seem like a picnic. As Klaus Schwab, the founder of the World Economic Forum says, ‘only those regions that begin the discussion now between government, business and academia on the coming impact will stand the best chance of being a disrupter instead of disrupted.’ This series of debates aims to start that discussion, exploring how businesses and the public sector will be disrupted by the acceleration of new technologies.”

The next event, "Precision Medicine: A visit to the doctor in 2025” will take place in Belfast in September.

Pictured at Artificial Intelligence: ‘Priceless or Perilous?’ are; Grainne Watson Fujitsu, Ben Greene Analytics Engine, Mark Nagurski MakeMatic and Damien Coyle Ulster University.

Wednesday 28 June 2017