Prof. Dr. Thilo Stadelmann is head of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences and leads the research group “Computer Vision, Perception & Cognition”. He is a trained computer scientist, passionate AI expert and scientific expert in machine perception. As a speaker, he shares his extensive knowledge on artificial intelligence, ChatGPT and data-centric innovation. What is behind the core technologies of digital transformation and where is the future journey of AI heading? His presentations clarify and show viable paths for the coming years.
Thilo Stadelmann in an interview
1. What are the core subjects of your keynote speeches?
My talks are about artificial intelligence and machine learning (or more generally: the technological possibilities of digital transformation and the use of data). I explain what is behind it, how it works (in layman’s terms), and what we can and should do with it. But also what this technology does to us as individuals and as a society is illuminated.
Which audiance or which branch do you reach with your speech?
I enjoy speaking to leaders from business, politics and administration, but also to experts from science and technology, and to lay people. My audience’s background ranges from mechanical engineering and industry to medicine and health to authorities and organisations with security tasks and almost everything in between. Most of my audiences have no background in technology, so all content is comprehensible to the general public. In front of specialist audiences, other scientific content can of course also be included.
3. Are you a PREMIUM SPEAKER? Where do you get your insights from?
The fascination for the topic of artificial intelligence has accompanied me since my teenage years and has led me to a professorship and the management of a research centre in this field. I am passionate about explaining and conveying understanding. For both my students and my audiences, I maintain a style of lecturing that engages, inspires, and is rich in significant and practical insights – which has already been reflected in various awards. Around the topic of artificial intelligence, I have worked on all aspects of the necessary ecosystem, from deep technical contributions to social reflection to building and leading respective organisations.
4. What will be in the future? Does «time» play an important role in your work?
The field of artificial intelligence is extremely dynamic, an incredible amount happens in half a year. One of the added values of my talks and seminars is therefore to provide orientation with regard to what is important and to classify the current developments and trends. It turns out that the future will also be highly dynamic – and at the same time dystopian science fiction scenarios are not even remotely foreseeable. It is up to us as a society to shape a livable, humane future.
5. Tell us your life motto? What do you want to give your listeners to take with them?
“Hope instead of fear!”
We are not our best selves when we are anxious and stressed, and disruptive technological developments can trigger anxiety and stress. I create overview and understanding in my talks so that the audience can let go of unfounded fears and engage with the possibilities. Challenges are not ignored or talked down, but it is my concern to show how one can look to the future with hope, because there are good reasons to do so.
This positive view of the future is not yet the motto of life – but perhaps we will talk about it together after the event.