AI, Machine Intelligence and ‘Bots’

AI, Machine Intelligence and ‘Bots’. These terms have much hype and, unfortunately, mystique about them.

Already, they have a growing effect on our daily lives and the potential impacts are profound. In the near future, they are likely to drive – at an unprecedented pace – highly disruptive change to our economy, society, and institutions. As such, AI, Machine Intelligence and robotic automation present huge opportunities and risks to all company directors and leaders.

How should we and our companies embrace the revolution and what do we need to be aware of? As with all major leaps forward in technology there are dire commercial consequences for getting it wrong and failing to adopt advancements when the time is right. Companies must be vigilant and proactive with regards to AI and digital transformation. As with all change these areas will require leadership and action driven from the top.

To answer your questions IoD Essex are delighted and proud to present Professor Peter Cochrane OBE, who as a seasoned professional with over 40 years of hands on management, technology and operational experience is perfectly placed to help guide us in the right direction. Peter was appointed the UK’s first Professor for the Public Understanding of Science & Technology in 1988 and was awarded an OBE in 1999.

This event will be taking place prior to the launch of Tech East at the new Innovation Centre at the University of Essex, Colchester. Please ensure that you book places for yourself and any guests/colleagues as soon as possible for this very popular event.

Timings 
16:30: Arrival and registration
16:45: Presentation/talk by Professor Peter Cochrane OBE
17:15: Q&A
17:45: Networking with drinks, optional tours of Innovation Centre and guests are invited to stay for Tech East (details below)

Speakers

Dr Peter Cochrane OBE
CEng, BSc, MSc, PhD, DSc, CGIA, FREng, FRSA, FIEE, FIEEE, FITPA seasoned professional with decades of hands on management, technology and operational experience, Peter progressed from linesman to Head of Research and CTO at BT. His 1,000 strong team engaged in studies spanning optical fibre, fixed and mobile networks, complex systems, AI, AL, future products, human behaviour and interfaces. On leaving BT in 2000 he formed his own consultancy company and an investment career involving eBookers and Shazam Entertainment along with a raft of smaller start ups. Peter has also been employed in the defence, logistics, travel, retail, energy, healthcare, transport and Pharma sectors. As an advisor he has been engaged by UK, Singapore and Qatar government departments; he has also advised HP, Motorola, 3M, Dupont, Ford, Sun, Apple, Cisco, Rolls Royce, BMW, et al. He currently advises FaceBook and the Qatar Foundation. In 2017 he was appointed as a visiting Professor of Sentient Systems to the University of Suffolk.

Sponsors

Tech East is launching the expansion of its members Workspace Passport at The Innovation Centre in Colchester.
This will allow members from all over the region to hot desk and book meeting rooms at tech hubs in London, Cambridge, Norwich and now in Colchester.
Join us at the new facilities for an evening of short talks and networking.

Timings 
16:30: Arrival for IoD Essex event and Q&A with Professor Peter Cochrane OBE.
17:45: Networking with drinks – optional tours of Innovation Centre and Studio X
18:30: The Innovation Centre, Workspace Passport Launch
18:30: Welcome. Daniel Smart
18:35: Tech East and the Workspace Passport. Tim Robinson
18:45: Guest Speaker – Thea Goodluck from Technation, who will provide some insight on Technation in general and some more specific insight on the Eastern region from a Tech and Start up point of view.
19:00: Pizza, beer and Networking
20:00: Close