RSNSW Online Lecture 2023-1
“Artificial Intelligence myths debunked — how AI is transforming humanity for the global good”
Professor Michael Blumenstein FACS
Professor and Acting Dean
Faculty of Engineering & IT
University of Technology Sydney
Date: Wednesday, 3 May 2023, 6.30 pm AEST
Venue: Zoom webinar
Video presentation: YouTube video
All are welcome
Summary: Michael Blumenstein will speak about the current trends in Artificial Intelligence (AI), both in academia and in business. In his talk, Michael will highlight a number of applications including some of the cutting-edge AI technologies developed at UTS. One such case study will be the research undertaken in collaboration with industry, which was translated into the AI solution: SharkSpotter© – the world’s first technology that can be used to detect sharks from video captured by drones or Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
Michael will demonstrate how AI can be used to enhance and even save people’s lives, as well as transform businesses and the economy. Other applications that Michael will present, include – CrocSpotter©, a technology for automatically detecting crocodiles in Northern Queensland. Further examples include AI technology for Drone Detection that has now been deployed in industry to enhance public safety. Michael will demonstrate how AI can be used to advance towards the next frontier of technological innovation. Further discussion will be dedicated to the recent trends with ChatGPT as well as the future of AI and possible directions for attaining the goal of conscious machines.
Michael Blumenstein is currently a Professor and the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and IT at UTS. Previously, he held the roles of Deputy Dean, and Associate Dean (Research Strategy and Management) in the Faculty of Engineering & IT where he concluded his role as Head of the School of Software. He formerly served as the Head of the School of Information and Communication Technology at Griffith University, and earlier as the Dean (Research) in the Science, Environment, Engineering, and Technology Group. Michael is a nationally and internationally recognised expert in the areas of automated Pattern Recognition and Artificial Intelligence, and his current research interests include Marine Life and Shark Detection from Video Imagery, Document Analysis, Video-based/multi-lingual Text Detection, and Signature Verification. He has published over 300 papers in refereed books, conferences, and journals. His research also spans various projects applying Artificial Intelligence to the fields of Engineering, Environmental Science, Neurobiology, and Coastal Management. Michael has secured internal/nationally competitive research grants to undertake these projects with funds exceeding AUD$6.5 Million. Components of his research into the predictive assessment of beach conditions have been commercialised for use by local government agencies, coastal management authorities, and in commercial applications.