AI Summit Artificial intelligence is hot topic

AI summit prompts lively debate about its uses and how it can be implemented in different industries

‘AI should not displace us…instead we should learn to embrace it so that it may empower us.’

That was the message from two key speakers at the AI summit that brought together representatives from different sectors to consider the role of artificial intelligence now and in the future.

The summit at the University of Hertfordshire was the final one in a series held across 2024 looking at key industry sectors.

Joel Sweeney, founder and CEO, Xpertex, and Spencer West, Network and Dev Ops Consultant, explored AI’s capabilities, spoke about some of the myths surrounding it and evidenced real-world applications across industries.

Their presentation looked at the benefits of introducing AI into the workplace, but did outline the importance of training technology to avoid errors.

Also speaking at the event was Farshid Amirabdollahian, Professor of Human Robot Interaction at the School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Hertfordshire, who explored the practical applications in modern business.

He looked at its use in the medical field as well as discussing ethical considerations and practical implementations across diverse sectors, and how AI can contribute to academic research.

Panellists, including Simon Mercer, Managing Director at Pearldrop, Philip Clifford-Brown, Managing Director, Weston Analytics, Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, Richard Behan, Chief Corporate Development Officer and Owner of CAE Technology Services, Allison Alexander, Founder of Branue, and Camilla Karm, Director of Sales and Marketing, Redsquid, led a lively discussion with input from the sell-out audience.

Chamber CEO Donna Schultz said: “We held five sector summits across the year, each looking at a different industry. They were all well attended and sparked interesting debates.

“But the AI summit fascinated everyone who attended. There remains a lot of fear around the use of AI and it was fascinating to hear from our speakers about how it can be used productively within different industries.

“AI isn’t going anywhere, so it’s important we find a way to integrate it as a tool to help us do our jobs.”

To learn more about AI and its capabilities, the Chamber is hosting an event on Tuesday 4th February, sponsored by Minerva IT, on Staying Ahead of the AI Curve. Full details on the Chamber website.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the body responsible for monitoring compliance with data protection legislation, has been in the news a lot recently. Investigating complaints against businesses and handing out reprimands and hefty fines – including to Hello Fresh, the Central YMCA and marketing firms, Outsource Strategies Ltd and Dr Telemarketing.

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