Toby Walsh is a leading authority on artificial intelligence and a prominent voice in the global conversation on its future impact. As a professor of AI at the University of New South Wales, a Research Group Leader at Data61, and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, he has spent decades working on the frontiers of AI research. His work spans a wide range of topics, from logic and constraint programming to the ethical implications of autonomous weapons. He is widely recognized for his public advocacy on the responsible development and use of AI.
Walsh is the author of several influential books, including 2062: The World that AI Made and Machines That Think: The Future of Artificial Intelligence. In 2062, he offers a compelling look at a future shaped by AI, exploring both the opportunities and the risks. Machines That Think provides an accessible and comprehensive history of AI, from its origins to its potential future. He has also been a key figure in the campaign to ban lethal autonomous weapons, arguing that ceding life-and-death decisions to machines is a moral line humanity should not cross. His work has been widely cited in public and academic discourse.
As a speaker, Walsh demystifies the complex world of artificial intelligence, providing audiences with a clear-eyed view of its potential and its perils. He provides a balanced and nuanced perspective, discussing both the revolutionary benefits of AI and the critical ethical questions that must be addressed. His presentations are a thought-provoking guide to the future of technology, empowering audiences with the knowledge to make informed decisions about the role of AI in their lives and in society.
