The University of Manchester is launching a new specialist multi-disciplinary centre to explore developments in smart robotics through the lens of artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous machinery.
The Manchester Centre for Robotics and AI will open at the state-of-the-art Engineering and Materials Campus at The University of Manchester and will providing a home for industry-leading research and innovation in AI-powered robotics.
The University of Manchester has built a modern reputation of excellence in AI and robotics, partly based on the legacy of pioneering thought leadership begun in this field in Manchester by legendary codebreaker Alan Turing.
To mark the opening of the new robotics centre, the Manchester campus will host its first conference on Wednesday, November 23. How humans and super smart robots will live and work together will be one of the hot topics being discussed by leading experts.
The concept of ‘posthumanism’ – a future world where humans won’t be the only highly intelligent decision-makers – will be just one of the cutting edge themes forming part of the programme for the inaugural conference.
Conference highlights will include a joint talk by robotics expert Dr Andy Weightman and theologian Dr Scott Midson which is expected to put a spotlight on how future of human-robot relationships might look.
Professor Angelo Cangelosi, co-director of the Manchester Centre for Robotics and AI, said: “Our research and innovation team are at the interface between robotics, autonomy and AI – and their knowledge is drawn from across the University’s disciplines, including biological and medical sciences – as well the humanities and even theology. This rich diversity offers Manchester a distinctive approach to designing robots and autonomous systems for real world applications, especially when combined with our novel use of AI-based knowledge.”
