A Netflix standup show was ‘written by bots’. A TV writer has scripted joke software. And now artificial intelligence is taking on improv
I’ve seen some bad comedy acts over the years – but not, until now, one that is part of an existential threat to humanity. One of artificial intelligence’s pre-eminent boffins, Geoffrey Hinton, sent out shock waves recently by arguing that, in relation to AI: “We’re toast. This is the actual end of history.”
That’s a hell of a backdrop to my visit to see Artificial Intelligence Improvisation, a show by the Improbotics troupe playing as part of an AI festival in London this week. You’ll forgive me, I hope, for some hesitation in wielding the critical brickbat, given that the act under review boasts the capacity to wipe out all of us.
About Author
More Stories
Scientists find ‘mutant’ gene behind foul-smelling species of wild ginger
The Guardian view on drought warnings: risks to the food supply need confronting | Editorial
Meta blocks major Muslim Instagram page in India amid rising conflict