In your own words, what will you be discussing at SXSW for the A Roboticist, Ethicist, & Novelist Walk Into a Bar panel?
One of our points of discussion will be the contrast between the robots of science fiction and real-world robots. Sci-fi and popular press often make out robots and AI to be technology that is all-powerful and something to be feared. But the reality of much of AI and robotics is that even basic software bugs can trip up the technology. Rather than worrying about AI that will take over the world, we should consider more practical concerns of AI and robotics, such as reliability and common safety. On top of that are the ethical implications of technology, and how difficult it can be to ensure the technology does the “right” thing. The many implications from each perspective of the panelists should make for an interesting conversation.

What’s your favorite contemporary sci-fi film? Classic?
Wall-E and Fantastic Voyage. Wall-E because it reminds us of goodness in the face of a dark world. And Fantastic Voyage because I’ve long wished for nano-robots that can go into our bodies and cure our ills, but recognize how difficult that is to achieve.

What’s the biggest challenge we’re currently facing in terms of advancing AI and robotics, and furthermore integrating it into society?

AI and robots don’t have common sense and they don’t understand people. Common sense is important because we need AI/robots to do a “reality check” on the answers they provide, or the actions they take. We need these systems to be able to do “back of the envelope” calculations that double-check how reasonable their conclusions/actions are. And, we need AI/robots that understand what people intend and work together effectively with people. These are really hard challenges that won’t be achieved anytime soon, at least outside of very narrow applications.

Are you optimistic or weary for the future in regards to how AI and robotics will impact our cities and citizens?
I’m both. I think AI and robots, wisely used, can help us address many important societal challenges. I believe our worries of AI spiraling out of control are overblown, and that AI and robotics can truly help us make our world a better place. On the other hand, AI and robots can be used by people to do bad things. The problem isn’t the AI/robots; it’s the choices people make in how this technology is used. I always want to be optimistic that humanity will do the right thing. Unfortunately, humans have also disappointed us at times. So it is important for those of us who develop these technologies to consider the ethical uses of the technology, and do what we can to promote their positive use.

Who should attend this panel and why? What do you hope for the audience to take away?
Anyone interested in the dreams and realities of technology should be able to take away something interesting from this panel. Those who like to “think big” about the possibilities of AI/technology will be inspired by the visions from science fiction. Those who are more practical about what AI and robotics can really do and why it’s difficult should appreciate the discussions of the current limitations of technology. And those who wonder what the moral implications are to the AI revolution should take away some food for thought. It’s a very interesting cross-section of ideas coming together that will stretch our thinking caps!

What are you looking forward to at SXSW interactive? Or Austin in general?
This will be my first experience attending SXSW, so I’m excited to experience all the amazing activity and energy. So many great events and amazing people will be there. I will not know what to choose or what to do next! I’ll need to figure out how to create a humanoid robot version of myself so that I don’t miss a thing.

Friday, March 11

5 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Fairmont – Room EFG

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