School of Informatics

Public debate: How robotics will reshape our lives

Thursday 4 February 2016, Informatics Forum

Edinburgh Centre for Robotics is hosting a public debate, ‘How robotics will reshape our lives in the next two decades.’ The event will take place 6.30pm Thursday 4 February 2016, Informatics Forum, Room G.07/G.07A.

The evening has been organised by the Edinburgh and SE Scotland branch of the British Science Association as part of its series, Future Debates.

Host organisation Edinburgh Centre for Robotics is a joint venture between the School of Informatics and the School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh and School of Engineering & Physical Sciences and the School of Mathematical & Computer Sciences, Heriot-Watt University.

Share your views

Information on a Facebook page, set up to promote the event, says:

“We have come to expect gadgets to make life easier and more enjoyable, at home, at work and at play but what do we make of the rapid advances in robotics and autonomous systems which give us driver-less vehicles, service industry machines, logistics robots in warehouses and combat vehicles? Are they to be welcomed or feared for their impacts on our lives, our jobs and our society?

“Participate in discussions following a series of short talks from experts looking at various ways in which robotics and autonomous systems will affect our lives in the next decade.”

Members of the audience have the chance to submit questions questions in advance when they register for tickets.

Programme

6.30pm                 Welcome: Professor Sethu Vijayakumar (Chair), Edinburgh Centre for Robotics, School of Informatics

6.40pm                 Talks (order to be confirmed) :

  •                                  Professor Burkhard Schafer, Edinburgh Law School
  •                                  Professor Alan Bundy; Centre for Intelligent Systems and their Applications, School of Informatics
  •                                  Dr Michael Herrmann, Edinburgh Centre for Robotics, School of Informatics
  •                                  Professor Greg Michaelson, Heriot-Watt University

7.10pm                 Discussion session – questions from the public

8pm                       Close

Free but ticketed

Register for free tickets and post questions in advance via the Eventbrite registration form.

Useful links

Facebook event page

Edinburgh Centre for Robotics

British Science Association