Our visit to the "AI: More Than Human" exhibition at Liverpool's World Museum was an extraordinary experience that we highly recommend. Traveling from Manchester was a breeze, with the museum conveniently located just a short walk from Liverpool Lime Street Station. We visited on a quiet Thursday afternoon at 3 pm, allowing us to leisurely explore the exhibits without feeling rushed. This time slot is ideal for those looking to avoid crowds.
The exhibition is an impressive showcase of the evolving relationship between humans and artificial intelligence, exploring its roots from ancient Japanese Shintoism to the pioneering work of Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage. Organized by Barbican International Enterprises and co-produced by Forum Groningen, the exhibition is divided into four sections, each thoughtfully curated to guide visitors through the historical, present, and future impacts of AI.
From the moment we stepped in, we were greeted with engaging interactive displays. A personal highlight was an exhibit where our movements were mimicked on a screen, captivating visitors of all ages. The exhibition did an excellent job of maintaining hygiene with numerous hand sanitizing stations and reminders, ensuring a safe environment for everyone.
The journey begins with the origins of AI, featuring fascinating artifacts and stories, and moves through significant milestones in AI development. Particularly captivating were the exhibits on the neural networks and the contributions of iconic figures like Alan Turing. The ethical considerations and societal impacts of AI are also well-explored, provoking thought about how these technologies shape our lives today and in the future.
Another fascinating exhibit was the Affectiva Automotive driving simulator, which Lawrence particularly enjoyed. This innovative simulator monitors your facial expressions to provide insights into emotional states and improve driving safety. It raises an intriguing question: could self-driving cars eventually outperform human drivers in terms of safety and efficiency? a thought-provoking consideration for the future of transportation.
One standout exhibit was the Sony aibo robot dog, which delighted visitors with its lifelike responses. We were given a list of commands to say to the dog, which would prompt it to perform various actions like dancing, barking, and fetching its ball. This interactive experience sparked interesting discussions among us about the potential and limits of AI in our daily lives.
We also had fun at the AI-powered photo booth. Here, visitors were asked to give a word to the AI, which then created a personalised poem based on contributions from other visitors. It also took a picture and printed the poem for you. Lawrence chose the word "enlightenment" and received a lovely poem: "The enlightenment of the day and night are mean peaks and colour of the colours of the wind." My word was "joyful," and the AI gifted me this charming verse: "Joyful and silent were beside the trees and that rise from the blue sky." These personalized keepsakes added a delightful and memorable touch to our visit.
The exhibition also featured intriguing artworks and projects by international artists and scientists, blending creativity with technology. Mario Klingemann’s "Circuit Training" was particularly fascinating, allowing visitors to interact with a neural network in creating art.
Tickets are reasonably priced at £12 for adults and £5 for children over 5, with free entry for those under 5 and concession prices available. Given the depth and breadth of the exhibition, we found it well worth the admission fee.
The average visit duration is around 1.5 to 2 hours, ample time to absorb the extensive information and enjoy the interactive elements.
Overall, "AI: More Than Human" is an enlightening and thought-provoking exhibition that appeals to a wide audience. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about the future, this exhibition offers something for everyone. Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore the fascinating world of AI at the World Museum Liverpool.
AI: More Than Human is on at the World Museum Liverpool until 31st October 2021, you can purchase tickets by clicking on the button below.
If you would like to see what else there is to see at Liverpool's World Museum, then click the link below to go to their website
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