AI Days at Örebro University – hot societal issues attracted large audiences
Amy Loutfi, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for AI, inaugurated AI Days in the Visual Lab.
Artificial intelligence has the potential to help solve societal challenges in a range of areas, from climate threats to healthcare. But how will this happen? That central question was the basis of the AI Days seminars, demonstrations, and hands-on sessions.
AI Days at Örebro University aimed at allowing visitors to learn about, experience, and try out AI for themselves.
“I hope visitors experienced exciting discussions and opportunities to share new knowledge. Even with everything happening in AI, I hope visitors left with a feeling that it’s possible to be part of this development,” says Amy Loutfi, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for AI at Örebro University.
Broadening the scope of AI use in schools
One of the week’s themes was AI and education. AI tools like ChatGPT in schools have received much attention in recent years. Johan Petersson, the theme leader during the week and an educational developer specialising in AI, wants to broaden that perspective.
“So far, the focus has been heavily on generative AI and large language models. We’re missing many other important aspects of AI, which I try to highlight. But even when it comes to generative AI and language models, there are positive aspects, and we showed good examples of how teachers and students can use generative AI both as a tool and as content in education,” says Johan Petersson.
Showcasing how researchers use AI in health
Within AI and health, researchers displayed a poster exhibition of their ongoing research projects at Örebro University. The programme also included themes such as AI and climate, AI and automation, and AI and collaboration.
“Recently, two Nobel Prizes were awarded in natural sciences and life sciences in combination with AI. I wanted visitors to see that we at Örebro University also work with AI methods in these fields. We’re playing on the same field and conducting groundbreaking work,” says Pedro Zuidberg dos Martires, associate senior lecturer in Computer Science.
“AI and Robotics Give the Örebro Region Strong Appeal”
In addition to seminars on various themes, AI Days also offered practical sessions in the AI Corner, where visitors received concrete tips on how they can use AI. Demonstrations were also held in the Robotlab and Visual Lab environments, along with the temporary exhibition The Evolution of the Robots.
One of the visitors was Simona Gustafsson, head of investment and establishment at Business Region Örebro.
“It’s fascinating to hear about AI research’s challenges and successes. In my role, I’m interested in everything that builds competitiveness in our region. Discussing what’s happening here at the university and in AI and robotics research gives the Örebro region a strong appeal,” says Simona Gustafsson.
Jessica and Pepper performed a dance show
The theme of AI and art discussed how AI influences the creative process and the professional roles of artists and music creators. Visitors also had the chance to watch a dance performance featuring a human and a robot. The dance was a collaboration between professional dancer Jessica Andrenacci and Anders Ekman at the School of Music, who created AI-generated music, and AI researcher Amy Loutfi, who programmed the robot Pepper.
“Dancing with Pepper was exciting. I realised that I was constantly trying to find a sense of connection with the robot, but that connection has to come from within yourself. After all, it’s just a machine,” says Jessica Andrenacci.
AI Evening with Research and Autumn Social
AI Days concluded on Thursday evening with an AI-themed evening featuring research presentations and an autumn mingle for invited guests. The audience enjoyed lectures by Professors Amy Loutfi from Örebro University and Fredrik Heintz from Linköping University, along with music performed by students from the Örebro University School of Music.
“AI and robotics are among Örebro University’s strongest research areas, with close ties to many other sciences and active collaboration with industry and the public sector. This year’s Nobel Prizes in both physics and chemistry were awarded to AI researchers. It was therefore gratifying to conclude the university’s AI Days with this theme at the Vice-Chancellor’s autumn mingle, where 200 guests enjoyed a fusion of AI research, music, and food,” says Johan Schnürer, Vice-Chancellor of Örebro University.
Text: Jesper Eriksson
Photo: Jesper Eriksson, Jasenka Dobric, Carolina Wittenfeldt, Mikael Klintberg och Marie Brodin
Translation: Jerry Gray