NEWS
SCIENCE ORATION : ‘ ROBOTS THAT SEE ’
REVELATIONS ON AI AND ITS TANGIBLE IMPLICATIONS IN THE REAL WORLD
TOP PHOTO : THE SCIENCE ORATION WAS STAGED IN THE GEOFFREY MCCOMAS THEATRE AT SCOTCH . INSET AT TOP RIGHT : PROFESSOR REID DELIVERS THE ORATION . THIS PHOTO : SHOWCASING A STUDENT ' S AUTONOMOUS GREENHOUSE . ABOVE , LEFT : PROFESSOR IAN REID AND HEAD OF SCIENCE , KERRIE ARDLEY ; ABOVE RIGHT : THE PRINCIPAL , DR SCOTT MARSH AND PROFESSOR IAN REID BELOW . RIGHT : ALEX COLUSSA OF SCOTCH ’ S SCIENCE DEPARTMENT ADDRESSES THE AUDIENCE
The 11th annual Science Oration , held at Scotch on 17 August , was delivered by a prominent figure in the field of Computer Science , Professor Ian Reid . He is currently the Head of Computer Science at the University of Adelaide and holds the titles of Fellow of the Australian Academy of Sciences ( FAA ) and Fellow of Technological Sciences and Engineering ( FTSE ). With more than two decades of pioneering work in computer-vision research , Professor Reid ' s credentials made the evening a perfect blend of historical insights and a look into the future of artificial intelligence ( AI ) and robotics .
The event commenced with an inspiring presentation by Charlie Wilson , a Year 12 Systems Engineering student . Charlie showcased an autonomous greenhouse he designed , inspired by a trip to Hong Kong to visit his dad , where he discovered that the median household size is 40m 2 . Addressing the challenges faced by individuals living in compact apartments , along with busy lifestyles and a love for gardening , his innovative solution of an autonomous greenhouse emphasised the merger of practical needs along with technological advancement .
Transitioning from Charlie ' s display of his autonomous greenhouse , Professor Reid ' s presentation , titled ‘ Robots that see ’, spanned his early career at the University of Oxford to his current endeavours at the University of Adelaide . He offered a deep dive into computer vision , detailing its evolution and intersection with domains like graphics , machine learning , AI and robotics .
With an emphasis on real-time processing and systems work , he highlighted his unique position in both the computer vision and robotics communities . He was also able to shed light on his instrumental role in bringing computer vision to the forefront of mainstream robotics .
The oration was received with enthusiasm by attendees of all age groups . Through his compelling narrative , Professor Reid enlightened the Scotch community on the intricate nuances of AI and its tangible implications in the real world . The oration stimulated curiosity and sparked many dialogues surrounding AI within the larger Scotch community . The oration seamlessly aligned with the 2023 Science Week theme , ‘ Innovations : Powering Future Industries ’, placing AI as the central focus .
The Science Oration was a pivotal event that merged academic achievements with technological advancements and community engagement . Such events , which provide a platform for student innovations to be showcased alongside academic contributions , are invaluable . They not only foster a culture of scientific curiosity but also motivate students to engage in active problem-solving for real-world challenges .
KERRIE ARDLEY – HEAD OF SCIENCE
44 Great Scot Issue 170 – December 2023