Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and the Finch Robot
A workshop led by Tom Lauwers
When: |
Saturday, April 30, 2022, 10:00 am to noon EDT |
Where: |
Everywhere via Zoom |
Cost: |
$10 per person Free for people who participated in the 2021 Virtual Logo Summer Institute |
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Computers can distinguish different faces, spoken words, gestures, and printed symbols. They can use this information to make decisions. Your smart phone unlocks when it sees your face, but not other faces. You give spoken commands to Siri or Alexa and maybe get an appropriate response.
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How do they do this? By examining a large number of
specific cases that are placed into categories, a computer
program can examine a new case to see which category it
best fits into. This identification can then be used by
the program to take action. For example, you could train
the computer to recognize one of several Star Wars
characters or Muppets and then write a program to direct
the Finch to do a dance routine or play a song based on
which one is seen. You can program the Finch to respond to
spoken commands, gestures you make with your arms, or
printed symbols |
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Some prior familiarity with Snap! and the Finch Robot is useful, but not
essential. This workshop is not just about the Finch. The
machine learning models you will develop can be used in a wide
variety of programs that do not involve the Finch.
About the workshop leader:
Tom Lauwers founded BirdBrain Technologies in 2010 after receiving his doctorate in robotics from Carnegie Mellon University. His research was founded on engaging all students, regardless of background, in robotics and engineering. Tom seeks to design educational tools that catalyze positive making, coding, and engineering learning experiences in the classroom. Tom resides in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood with his wife, two kids, cat, and a small army of robots. He would be an invaluable ally in the event of a robot uprising.
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