Pocket Einstein: 10 Short Lessons in Artificial Intelligence & Robotics

About the Author Dr Peter J. Bentley is an Honorary Professor at the Department of Computer Science, University College London (UCL), a Visiting Professor at Autodesk, Collaborating Professor at the Korean Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST) and co-founder of Kazoova Ltd. He has published more than 300 scientific papers in the field of AI, and is the author of several popular science books. Product Description 'A lucid, balanced and engaging tour of one of the most important phenomena of this century.' - Steven Pinker From the face recognition on your smartphone to the management of our global economy, you cannot live in the modern world without interacting with, or being impacted by, artificial intelligence and robots. But how did this happen? And what does it mean for our lives now and in the future? Is it helping to change our world for the better or creating new problems? 10 Short Lessons in Artificial Intelligence & Robotics examines these key questions and more in this essential guide to the twenty-first century's most powerful technology. About the series: The Pocket Einstein series is a collection of essential pocket-sized guides for anyone looking to understand a little more about some of the most relevant science that affects us all in the twenty-first century. Broken down into ten simple lessons and written by leading experts in their field, discover the ten most important takeaways from those areas of science we should all know more about. Review Artificial Intelligence is both a fascinating topic and a pressing issue. But much of the commentary has been not-so-intelligent, discussing this technology as an awesome or terrifying form of black magic. Peter Bentley is a true expert, and has given us a lucid, balanced and engaging tour of one of the most important phenomena of this century. -- Steven Pinker, Johnstone Professor of Psychology, Harvard University, and author of How the Mind Works and Enlightenment Now. The best, clearest, and most readable short guide to this vital area. You'll find out where we are now, how we got here, and even where we might be going. -- Owen Holland, professor of cognitive robotics in the Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science at the University of Sussex An inviting romp through the ongoing history of AI and robotics, as told by one its major players. Not only does Professor Bentley bring to life the many successes, failures and breath-taking reversals of the field, but he helpfully shines a light into the many corners of thought that bear upon the quest to create smart machines. His story is all the more gripping because it reveals how chasing artificial intelligence demands the very best of human intelligence: creativity, diversity of thought, and intellectual bravery. Highly recommended for those who wish to join the adventure. -- Josh Bongard, professor of evolutionary robotics at the University of Vermont, and a 2010 PECASE awardee Peter Bentley is a brilliant AI researcher ... In this book, he gives us an engaging description of the most important advances in AI and robotics that will change our lives. The easy-flowing narrative, interesting anecdotes and curiosities that pepper the book make it difficult to put it down before you have turned the last page. -- Dario Floreano, Director of the Laboratory of Intelligent Systems at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) and co-author of Evolutionary Robotics: The Biology, Intelligence, and Technology of Self-Organizing Machines Book Description Leading computer science expert Professor Peter J. Bentley breaks down the fast-moving world of computers in the time of automata into ten pivotal lessons.