For our first episode, we’re starting with the big picture. What is (or isn’t) “artificial intelligence”? How can we be sure AI is safe and beneficial for everyone? And what is the best way of thinking about working with AI right now, no matter how we use it?

Here with all the answers is Peter Stone. He’s a professor of computer science at UT Austin, director of Texas Robotics, the executive director of Sony AI America and a key member in the 100 Year Study on AI. He’s worked for many years on applications of AI in robotics: for example, soccer-playing robots, self-driving cars and home helper robots. He’s also part of UT Austin’s Good Systems initiative, which is focused on the ethics of AI.

Dig Deeper

An open letter signed by tech leaders, researchers proposes delaying AI development, NPR (interview with Peter Stone)

AI’s Inflection Point, Texas Scientist (an overview of AI-related developments at UT Austin)

Experts Forecast the Changes Artificial Intelligence Could Bring by 2030 (About the first AI100 study, which Peter Stone chaired)

Computing Machinery and Intelligence (Alan Turing’s 1950 article describing the Imitation Game, a test to determine if a machine has human intelligence) 

Good Systems (UT Austin’s grand challenge focused on designing AI systems that benefit society)

Year of AI – News & Resources (News from an initiative showcasing UT Austin’s commitment to developing innovations and growing leaders to navigate the ever-evolving landscape brought about by AI.)

Episode Credits

Our co-hosts are Marc Airhart, science writer and podcaster in the College of Natural Sciences and Casey Boyle, associate professor of rhetoric and director of UT’s Digital Writing & Research Lab.

Executive producers are Christine Sinatra and Dan Oppenheimer. 

Sound design and audio editing by Robert Scaramuccia. Theme music is by Aiolos Rue. Interviews are recorded at the Liberal Arts ITS recording studio.

Cover image for this episode generated with Adobe Firefly, a generative AI tool.

About AI for the Rest of Us

AI for the Rest of Us is a joint production of The University of Texas at Austin’s College of Natural Sciences and College of Liberal Arts. This podcast is part of the University’s Year of AI initiative. The opinions expressed in this podcast represent the views of the hosts and guests, and not of The University of Texas at Austin. You can listen via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Podcasts, RSS, or anywhere you get your podcasts. You can also listen on the web at aifortherest.net. Have questions or comments? Contact: mairhart[AT]austin.utexas.edu