The Futurium is the House of Futures, where the question “How do we want to live?” takes centre stage. It sees itself as a place for reflection and discussion on the challenges and opportunities of the future. The permanent exhibition is divided into three sections: People, Nature and Technology. In addition, there is a lab and an events forum, as well as a wide range of digital formats. Admission is free.
The future of artificial intelligence
Few other technologies are currently being discussed in such glowing terms as artificial intelligence – and for good reason, as the progress made in recent years has truly been impressive. The new technology holds great promise: a better quality of life, a long and healthy life, and enhanced abilities. But there is also talk of ‘superintelligence’, of the threat of losing control, and of a future in which machines will surpass humans.
Yet the gap between vision and reality is not a new phenomenon: AI is a field of great promise – and equally great misunderstandings. These systems process language, generate images, recognise patterns and make decisions – nothing more. And yet we persist in describing them in terms that are actually reserved for humans: AI ‘thinks’, it ‘understands’, it ‘acts’. Let’s take a look at this pull between two worlds: what would it mean if machines were truly intelligent? Is pattern recognition sufficient, or does intelligence require a body, experience and a connection to the world, as the Embodied AI approach suggests? And are neurosymbolic approaches the next step?
This conversation, which marks the start of the events within the thematic focus ‘On/Off Relationship’, is not only about the systems themselves. Equally relevant is the language we use to talk about them: when we attribute profoundly human characteristics to machines, this also changes the way we see ourselves. And last but not least, it’s also about asking who stands to benefit from particular visions of AI’s future – and who is shaping them?
Information
-> Venue: Exhibition
-> The event is free of charge.
-> A ticket is required.
-> Event language: German, German Sign Language, AI translation into English
-> The event will be recorded and will be available as a video on our YouTube channel afterwards.
Accessibility
-> We are a wheelchair accessible venue.
-> Spaces without seating are available for wheelchair users.
-> The event addresses interested people of all ages.
-> Interested visitors of all ages are welcome. We recommend participation for those aged 16 or over.
-> Participation requirements: no prior knowledge required
-> Drinks and food are available for purchase.
The future is for everyone! The Futurium wants to be accessible to everyone. If there are any other access needs on your part, please feel free to let us know. We will try to meet them: info@futurium.de
All information on accessibility can be found here: https://futurium.de/de/barrierefreiheit
Photo & Video
-> Photos will be taken during the event. If you don’t wish to be pictured, please let us know in advance.
Tickets
-> You’ll need a ticket to attend this event.