BUSINESS representatives from across Cumbria joined industry leaders engaging in ‘refreshing’ and ‘diverse’ conversations about the growing use of artificial intelligence across the county.
The first 'in-Cumbria magazine and Realise HR present Table Talk: Conversations with Thought Leaders' event took place at the North Lakes Hotel in Penrith on Friday, August 11.
The table talk on AI was the first of a series of curiosity-fuelled and in-depth events with industry-leading figures, trailblazers, and pioneers to explore some of the most fascinating topics in the business world.
Attendees heard from an expert panel who discussed AI and its uses in modern business; ethical considerations and risk; education and training, where to start and the future of AI.
The Q&A saw panellists - Rav Chunilal, Head of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence at Sellafield Ltd; Martin Spring, Professor of Operations Management at Lancaster University Management School; Kris Mathers, Nuclear AI & Robotics Engineer at Sellafield Ltd; Darrell Muir, Digital Learning at NCG and Josh Holmes, Head of Digital at Local-iQ - discuss how they use AI in their work and the wider use of the technology in business and everyday life.
Rav said: “It was an amazing session with great panel members and a lot of good questions from the audience as well, about how we can embrace AI and use it for the better.
“I think it gives exposure to what we are doing in our sector but also brings it together promoting AI in Cumbria as well.”
Darrell said: “From an education point of view, it’s good to see that businesses are wanting to question AI - what it's all about, what we are doing in education to train staff and how we are supporting them. It was really good to be part of a networking event and find out more about the perception of AI.
“I learnt from the panel as well, so that’s been really good, as well as building up connections.”
Josh added: “It was great to see so much engagement from people in the room because sometimes at these kinds of events you can find some things aren’t for everyone, but it seemed that everyone who was here had either a point they wanted to get across or genuinely good questions.
“Also, it wasn’t too techy, it wasn’t just the technical side it was more practical questions about how people are going to use it in business even in personal life and it was refreshing to see that.”
Martin said: “I enjoyed it enormously, it’s great to see such a diverse interest in the subject and you really learn a lot from these events because we sometimes get a bit out of touch with what’s going on and what people’s concerns are.
“It’s a great insight into where the world is with thinking about AI and its uses.”
Kris added: “I really enjoyed the event, the conversations were the best part, the audience asked questions which were very meaningful and very relevant to the AI industry in general.”
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