Some real insights on artificial intelligence

Explore the promise and pitfalls of artificial intelligence at Newport Public Library this Saturday, Feb. 21, when Willamette Writers welcomes author and robotics expert Kagan Tumer to discuss “What AI Is … and Isn’t: Are We Focused on the Right Issues?”

Headlines about artificial intelligence often spotlight looming risks, but Tumer’s talk examines how credible those fears are and whether public attention is aimed at the right challenges. He will describe how modern systems are built and what that means for applications ranging from autonomous vehicles and drug discovery to in-home care and, yes, to writing.

Tumer is a science fiction writer and professor of robotics and artificial intelligence. He holds a doctorate in computer engineering and spent nine years at NASA working on multi-robot coordination. In addition to teaching and researching the ethics of artificial intelligence, he consults on film and television projects and mentors future scientists.

A question-and-answer session and book signing will follow the talk.

Saturday’s program begins at 2 pm at Newport Public Library, located at 35 NW Nye Street. For more information, go to willamettewriters.org.