This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a huge dream and vision for all mankind, and makes up a major part of most popular science fiction. John McCarthy coined the term in 1955 as "the science and engineering of making intelligent machines". Today, many notable companies have their stakes set on this technology, making AI a part of our everyday lives, e.g. Speech Recognition, Machine learning, Recommendation Systems and Personal Assistants. The ongoing global digital revolution, the unfailingly valid Moore’s Law, the Internet of Things and overall prevalent subject of Big Data, gives us the impression that creating “real” artificial intelligence is closer than ever before in history. AI has become “sexy” again. Besides large amounts of money flowing into the field of AI, numerous publications focus on the topic, AI shows up in our daily newsfeeds, and is already an integral part of most of our gadgets.

However, what would be the implications if a company could create “strong and real” AI? How would this influence our society and our jobs? Will it get smarter day by day? Would we be able to control a technical system of this nature?

Stefan Wess is a Researcher and Entrepreneur. He holds his PhD in Computer Science and is a highly recognized technology industry veteran with multinational front-line technology and scientific leadership experience. Stefan has written and published numerous books and articles on Artificial Intelligence. His professional career includes several Executive positions in international companies. As CEO of Empolis Information Management a Germany based IT company, he is still fascinated and excited how technology transforms our lives, the society and finally mankind.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)