CIPA debate - Artificial Intelligence: How Soon Might Humans Be Replaced At Work?

London's Science Museum

There has been talk of robots taking our jobs for ages. But did you know that they already are? Software that can learn, adapt to its environment and carry out jobs from writing sports reports to answering legal queries is already a reality. A recent Oxford University paper argued that around 50% of jobs in America were at risk from artificial intelligence. Is yours?

Join us and our Chairman Tom Clarke, Science Editor of Channel4 News, for a free public debate on the proposition that: “This House believes it is inevitable that, within 25 years, a patent will be filed and granted without human intervention.” Listen to our experts argue about whether, or how quickly, computer algorithms might arise that are capable of complicated human-like reasoning and judgement.

Speaking for the proposition will be Calum Chace, author of the AI novel Pandora’s Brain and the soon-to-be-published non-fiction book, Surviving AI, and Chrissie Lightfoot lawyer, entrepreneur, AI commentator, futurist and author of Tomorrow's Naked Lawyer: New Tech, New Human, New Law. Speaking against the proposition will be Nigel Hanley, a Senior IPO Patent Examiner and a senior Chartered Patent Attorney.

The event will be streamed live and later made available on YouTube. After the main debate there will be a Q&A with the panel - come along and get involved.

Members' reception

CIPA members are invited to a pre-debate buffet reception in the museum's Engineer your Future exhibition, from 6.15-6.45pm - we hope to see you there!

For more information, and to book a place, click here.