“I’m sorry, Dave. I’m afraid I can’t do that.” So spoke HAL in 2001: A Space Odyssey. But let’s not allow Hollywood to determine our perception of Artificial Intelligence and robots. An exhibition at the Technical Museum seeks to highlight the true scientific reality, technological potential, and sociocultural implications of AI in the modern world.
- Highly interactive and immersive exhibition spread across five levels
- Also includes such aspects as AI and creativity or the future of mobility
- Runs Dec 17, 2020 – summer, 2022
- Just need a normal entrance ticket* for the museum
- See also:
Robotics and more
(© Technisches Museum Wien)
Ah, hard to talk of artificial intelligence (AI), machines and robotics without casting a concerned eye in the direction of Skynet. The prospect of ever more advanced machines integrated ever more closely into our lives induces curiosity, trepidation and pleasurable anticipation in equal measure.
As the barriers between humans and machines shimmer and fade, what is the reality of AI today and in the near future?
What might be possible (and what not)?
And what are the social, cultural and technological implications of advancements in this field of human endeavour?
An exhibition at the Technical Museum seeks to give us some answers, or at least get us to think more about the impact and influence of AI on our current and future world.
The Artificial Intelligence? exhibition offers an overview of the current state-of-the-science when it comes to AI and robots, suggests where the technology is heading, and explores what this all might mean for humanity.
(© Sebastian Weissinger / Technisches Museum Wien)
The displays spread across five levels, each addressing a different theme:
- Level 1 explores the human-machine interface and how we currently interact with machines (even the humble mouse click is just such an interaction).
- Level 2 looks at the concept of intelligence and efforts to both understand its basis in the human brain and mimic it through technology. I failed miserably to distinguish between human and AI-written articles.
- Level 3 reveals the role of artificial intelligence in our day-to-day activities, especially given its role behind the scenes in the digital world we now live in.
- Level 4 examines the idea of creativity and how artificial intelligence might support human creativity, but also produce music, art, and literature without human intervention. I have to admit, though, that my AI-assisted drawings were still monumentally rubbish.
- Level 5 tackles the field of mobility, where artificial intelligence might change both individual (think self-driving cars) and mass transport, particularly within the context of sustainability.
The multimedia displays and interactive installations encourage much self-reflection and active participation from the visitor; the Technical Museum is an absolute paradise for those like me who love pressing buttons and pulling levers.
As with so many concepts in applied science, the core challenges are as much about how we use the technology and tools – not just how we build them in the first place.
Dates and tickets
Admire the machines from December 17th, 2020 to summer 2022. A standard ticket* for the Technical Museum includes all the temporary or special exhibitions.
How to get to the exhibition
Follow the tips at the bottom of the main Technical Museum article. Once inside, just look for the signs.
Address: Mariahilfer Straße 212, 1140 Vienna