Automation through Artificial Intelligence allows mine sites to operate with shorter breaks or delays, as well as predict failures and degradations.
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University of Sydney Professor of Physics Zdenka Kuncic, who will travel to Orange to speak on Wednesday, said while the benefits of AI are indisputable, it is not without its limitations.
Dr Kuncic said because the technology relies on computer programming, when it comes time for machines to "make decisions on the fly" AI won't work.
In collaboration with a team in Japan, Dr Kuncic has been working to develop the next generation of intelligence which emulates the human brain.
Based on a Japanese prototype, the professor will create a synthetic brain from highly electrically-conductive nanowires, which transmit signals similarly to how our neurons transmit through synapsis.
Dr Kuncic said she hopes the synthetic brain will eventually be utilised in areas of robotics where there can be a high level of risk to humans, such as mining and space colonisation.
The professor will speak at The Lord Anson Hotel as part of a series of free lectures running in regional areas through the University of Sydney's School of Rural Health program.
Dr Kuncic said in addition to offering some insight into the future direction of AI, she hopes to get the audience thinking a bit broader on what intelligence is by asking some big questions.
"What is intelligence? Can we replicate some level of general intelligence? How can we develop current types of technology to improve society going into the future?" she asked.
Following Dr Kuncic's Build a Brain talk at 6pm, University of Sydney's Professor of Astrophysics Geraint Lewis will present his talk, Waiting for the end of time at 7pm.
Dr Lewis will attempt to shed some light on what the universe will look like in billions or trillions of years.
"It's not a happy story at the end of the day," Dr Lewis said.
"The universe is grinding to a halt and heading to a very cold and dark future - a bit like Canberra."
Dr Lewis said the sun is halfway through its lifespan, with about four billion years to go.
"In two billion years it will burn so bright the oceans will evaporate," he said.
"We're going to have to find somewhere else to inhabit."
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