Think: Digital Futures

Would you make love to a robot?

Techno-sexuality. Digi-sexuality. I-dollatry and Robophilia are new sexualities made possible by technology. So who is behind these identities? And what’s the attraction? Featuring Dr Belinda Middleweek, Senior Lecturer in Journalism in the School of Communications at University of Technology Sydney Music from Epidemic Sound Produced and presented by Lawrence Bull

Musical Robots

Ya like robo-jazz?Featured:  Dr. Richard Savery: Macquarie University Research Fellow (MQRF), Department of Media, Communications, Creative Arts, Language and LiteratureProduced and Presented by: Cameron M. FurlongMusic: Shimon Aarhus perf. Aarhus Jazz Orchestra and Shimon (provided by Dr. Richard Savery) Faster Does It Kevin McLeod  As AI becomes more advanced and nuanced, it is inevitable that we see it entering the arts. After my conversation with Dr. Sara Oscar, I was curious to descend further down the rabbit hole of artificial creativity. Being a musician, there was no better way to challenge my beliefs of what is or isn't "music" than by exploring robot musicians. But it isn't just techno sounds and glitch, Dr. Richard Savery's robot musician Shimon can rap, sing, and play the marimba in a band.

The comeback of stem cells: why this time, they might work.

For decades, stem cells have been the technology that’s just around the corner. The medicine that would fix just about part of the body. But stem cell injections haven’t delivered on their advertised potential. Now, thanks to ingenuity and machine learning, they'll have a shot.Featuring Dr Jiao Jiao Li, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology SydneyProduced and presented by Lawrence Bull

Conscious AI and the Universe

What is 'consciousness'?Featured:Dr Mahendra Samarawickrama; Director of the Centre for Consciousness Studies, Director of the Centre for Sustainable AIProduced and Presented by: Cameron M. FurlongMusic by Trev Lewis from Hagfilms, Drakensson, and TheoTer. Sourced from Freesound.orgThe nature of consciousness is an emerging philosophical question that has been pondered for centuries. Now, with the advent of advanced Artificial Intelligence, the ethics and implications of conscious AI is at the forefront of people's minds. However, delving into just what consciousness actually is on the grand scheme of the universe could provide insight into the unanswered questions of the universe.

Is AI Art, 'Art'?

Where do AI generated imagery fall in the world of art?In September 2022, Jason M. Allen controversially won first prize in the Colorado State Fair's "digital arts/digitally-manipulated photography" competition. This event sparked a growing debate in the art world and on social media over the legitimacy of AI generated artwork. Many artists are calling foul on AI art, and are vehemently opposed to its inclusion in the arts on both creative and legal grounds. However, controversy always follows new technology, one only has to take a look at the last century to see similar fierce opposition to photography's standing as "legitimate" art.To unpack the issue surrounding AI art, I spoke to someone with their foot in both worlds. Dr. Sara Oscar is a photographer and Senior Lecturer at UTS's School of Design. Her research specialises in the cultural impacts of AI and deep neural networks. Hopefully, she can shine some light on the question 'Is AI Art, 'art'?Featured:Dr. Sara Oscar: Senior Lecturer, UTS School of DesignMusic: Dances and Dames Kevin McLeod Faster Does It Kevin McLeod Presented and Produced by Cameron M. Furlong