A.L.I.C.E the robot and all things data
ALICE (Artificial Learning Intelligent Computer Eye) is a 6ft Robot developed to explain machine learning to children in a fun and interactive way.
To create an engagement tool that explains such a complex topic such as machine learning and the use of big data, we needed to work collaboratively with our target audience, namely children and young people.
ALICE (Artificial Learning Intelligent Computer Eye) is a 6ft Robot developed to explain machine learning to children in a fun and interactive way.
To create an engagement tool that explains such a complex topic such as machine learning and the use of big data, we needed to work collaboratively with our target audience, namely children and young people.
In a second session with the eyeYPAG we engaged in a conversation about health data usage. Particularly its journey through INSIGHT which is one of the NHS Health Data Hubs. We discussed concepts of “Data Borrowers” and “Data Controllers”. We explored the issues raised. They included details of anonymisation, who benefits from data usage, and data anonymisation.
Building on the learning from these two sessions, we developed a short film. The film illustrates the principles of machine learning. Using the example of how a computer such as ALICE could learn to recognise images by being ‘taught’. Featuring the importance of using large data sets of well labelled and classified images.
We then piloted the video at the Barts and Queen Mary Science Festival. This was an online virtual family-friendly science festival for older secondary school children.
The video screened 56 times by classes of up to 30 pupils, reaching a maximum of 1680 children.
Moving forwards with the good feedback from EyeYPAG and Queen Mary’s. We decided to make a version of ALICE that was real and interactive to take to in person science events.
The ‘real’ ALICE was designed to show how machine learning works and engage with children and young people. The robot model used software that could identify items shown to her through a camera. ALICE identified items with varying degrees of success. ALICE has been to science festivals throughout the country. Her travels have facilitated conversations with people of all ages. Useful conversations about data, machine learning, artificial intelligence and big data.
We received positive responses in person and online. ALICE has proved to be an excellent tool in engaging people of all ages not just children. She will visit future events to engage with members of the public and their families to explain our work using AI and health data usage.