Inaugural Lecture: How Machines Learn to Talk

Conversational Artificial Intelligence (AI) makes interaction with machines possible through voice and text platforms, and is a rapidly growing research area. It is estimated that 16% of adults in the US own and regularly use smart speakers, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home (NPR & Edison research).

These Conversational AI Systems have experienced a revolution over the past decade, moving from being completely handcrafted to using “intelligent” data-driven machine learning methods. 

In her Inaugural Lecture, Professor Verena Rieser will review current developments including her work on using reinforcement learning and deep learning models - and evaluate these methods in the light of her team’s success in the global Amazon Alexa Challenge, where Heriot-Watt was the only UK university to reach the final three.

Refreshment from 3.30pm and tall begins at 4pm. Followed by a drinks reception and a robot demo!

In support of Athena SWAN and Doing Things Differently #HWUdifferently we have scheduled this lecture in core working hours to enable carers to attend.

Advance booking is required, please register for a free ticket 

For your free ticket register here

Date: 
Wednesday, 16 May, 2018 - 15:30
Speaker: 
Professor Verena Riese
Affiliation: 
Heriot-Watt University
Location: 
Cairn Lecture Theatre, Postgraduate Centre, Edinburgh Campus