Self-driving cars, face recognition, digital money, smart vaccines. The world is evolving fast, with Artificial intelligence (AI) at the forefront. But there is a dark side, as AI is not neutral. It sometimes even divides our society.
You may enjoy the ease of paying with your smartphone, but for beggars it can mean the end of their main source of income. Opening a door with facial recognition is quick and safe. However, the same technology can also lock out certain population groups, like the Uyghurs in China. Elderly people often have problems adapting to new technologies. The risk of leaving them behind is growing.
On 25 November 2022 we debated this topic with BRUCE STERLING, the internationally-acclaimed science-fiction writer, journalist, editor and critic. Bruce shed his light on these developments and shared his expectations at AI FOR ALL – From the Dark side to the Light.
The event took place in the Evoluon in Eindhoven, one of the Netherlands' most iconic buildings.
Our Speakers
Bruce Sterling
"I'm a hardened skeptic about 'hard AI' and 'Artificial General Intelligence', but I'm nevertheless a big fan of neural nets, machine learning, deep learning, and text-to-image generators.
Generally speaking, the stupider artificial intelligence is, the better I like it!"
You don't want to miss this unique opportunity to meet Bruce Sterling.
The internationally famous author, journalist, editor, and critic will share his vision and expectations.
Marleen Stikker
"Our brains are not a computer and Artificial Intelligence is not intelligent."
Marleen Stikker is director and one of the two founders of Waag in Amsterdam, and founder of De Digitale Stad, a virtual public community on democratic principles, which is seen as a precursor to social media and web browsers. Since July 1, 2020, she is also a member of the Advisory Council for Science, Technology and Innovation (AWTI).
Hendrik-Jan Grievink
"A.I. for all or for some? Check Your Technoprivilege!"
Hendrik-Jan Grievink is a designer at Next Nature Network since 2007. He is an expert in translating philosophy into clear-cut objects and experiences. Since 2007, Hendrik-Jan has been responsible for what he calls ‘R&D&D’; the research, development and design of much of the content and visual output of the network.
Debate with our panel!
We Are Just Getting Started
We may have to solve some minor bumps, but the future looks bright, thanks to Artificial Intelligence (?)
Our speakers debate their visions with top scientists Caroline Hummels and Rinie van Est.
Caroline Hummels
"Addressing major societal challenges requires developing artificial intelligent systems that act on intrinsic motivations, rather than the current focus on extrinsically motivated AI systems. For example, AI systems that use curiosity and beauty to explore strengthening socially sustainable neighbourhoods, instead of AI systems that solve technical problems and improve efficiency of self-driving cars."
Caroline Hummels is professor Design and Theory for Transformative Qualities at the department of Industrial Design at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). Her activities concentrate on designing and researching transforming practices.
Kristina Andersen
"Instead of using AI to solve human problems, can we consider AI a source of creative absurdity? "
Kristina Andersen is associate professor at the Future Everyday cluster of the Department of Industrial Design (TU/e). Her work is concerned with how we can allow each other to imagine our possible technological futures through digital craftsmanship and collaborations with semi intelligent machines in the context of material practices of soft fiber-based things.
Wijnand IJsselsteijn (moderator)
“Digital technologies can offer significant social value, but Big Tech has developed practices that threaten a fair distribution of wealth, job quality, environmental sustainability, and democratic governance. “
Wijnand IJsselsteijn is professor of Cognition and Affect in Human-Technology Interaction at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). He has an active research program on the impact of media technology on human psychology, and the use of psychology to improve technology design. His focus is on conceptualizing and measuring human experiences in relation to digital environments (immersive media, serious games, affective computing, personal informatics) in the service of human learning, health, and wellbeing.
Koert van Mensvoort (moderator)
“Any sufficiently advanced artificial intelligence is indistinguishable from natural intelligence.”
Koert van Mensvoort is a University Fellow of Next Nature at the department of Industrial Design at TU/e. He is director of the Next Nature Network, board member of the Society of Arts at the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and supervisory board member of VPRO television.
Organized together with
Photo: filmstill from "Drexciya (2012), courtesy the artist. Simon Rittmeier / Sahelis Productions / KHM Cologne