Today’s guest is Alan Smeaton, Professor of Computing at Dublin City University. and a member of the government’s AI Advisory Council. In this episode, Alan chats with host Mark Kelly about the evolution of Artificial Intelligence, its current applications in education and energy, and its future potential. Topics include: 0:00 His experience integrating AI research, teaching and applications 2:14 How Generative AI supports both traditional and self-directed learning 5:59 How Multiple LLMs address biases through collaboration and diversity 9:11 Being cautious about agentic AI systems; logic processing underdeveloped 12:09 Using smart meters to track energy use & enable personalized tariff comparisons 17:20 Why AI’s future may face a reckoning, favouring diversity over monopoly 20:10 The AI landscape is unpredictable, with new players and growing regulation.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.