UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms are already integrated into most of the electronic devices that we use and are powering the global economy’s transformation. But, analysts also warn that AI may have negative effects. For example, American market research company Forrester warns that AI and robots will replace 16 percent of American jobs in the not-so distant future.
This academic year, Penn State’s Institute for CyberScience will host speakers who will review the hopes for — as well as concerns about — AI in the future. The seminar series, “AI in Action: How Penn State researchers are Developing and Using AI to Advance Sciences, Engineering, Humanities, Social Good and beyond” kicks off on Tuesday, Sept. 17, with Orfeu Buxton. The session will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon in room 233A of the HUB-Robeson Center, University Park.
Buxton, professor of biobehavioral health, directs the Sleep, Health & Society Collaboratory at Penn State. He will discuss the interdisciplinary approaches to understanding the role of sleep health in overall health and well-being, using research methods leveraging digital and other biomarkers and with an orientation towards developing scalable interventions.
Also scheduled for this semester is Soundar Kumara, the Allen E. Pearce and Allen M. Pearce Professor of Industrial Engineering, who will present a session on Nov. 5.
On Feb. 18, 2020, a panel discussion on the social good of AI will be held, featuring Andrea Tapia, professor of information sciences and technology; Guido Cervone, professor of geography and associate director of ICS; and Kristina Douglass, assistant professor of anthropology.
On March 3, Dana Choi, assistant professor of agricultural and biological engineering, will present a session; and Ismaila Dabo, associate professor of materials science and engineering, will present on April 21.
Registration is required for these upcoming seminars. To learn more, or to register, visit the ICS events page.