Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a remarkable technology that has profoundly impacted our lives. It now beats humans at some of their own games. How did we get here? In this lecture, Abu-Mostafa will describe the scientific journey of AI since the 1980s, as well as Caltech's foundational role in its development, providing examples of AI's achievements and its potential. He will also address the hype that surrounds AI, both positive and negative, and put it in scientific perspective.

About the Lecturer:

Yaser Abu-Mostafa (PhD '83) is Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in Caltech's Division of Engineering and Applied Science.

About the Series:

Established in 1922, the Earnest C. Watson Lectures bring Caltech’s most innovative scientific research to the public. Named for Earnest C. Watson, a professor of physics at Caltech from 1919 to 1959, the Watson Lectures spotlight a small selection of the pioneering research Caltech’s faculty is currently conducting. Through a gift from the estate of Richard C. Biedebach, the lecture series is able to highlight assistant professors' research each season.

The 2021-2022 Watson Lectures will be presented virtually on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. at caltech.edu/watson. Register online to add this event to your calendar and to receive an email reminder.

About Caltech:

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions and pressing societal challenges. Caltech manages JPL for NASA, sending probes to explore the planets of our solar system and quantify changes on our home planet.

Caltech is an independent, privately supported institution with a 124-acre campus in Pasadena, CA. To learn more, visit caltech.edu.