Kaeser to remain sponsor of MESNZ Network Evening Series 8 March 2017 New Zealand needs to seriously and swiftly embrace artificial intelligence (AI) as an extraordinary opportunity and challenge for the country’s future, a new body, the AI Forum says. AI already has a growing effect on Kiwis’ daily lives. Its potential impacts are profound. In the near future, it is likely to drive – at an unprecedented pace – highly disruptive change to our economy, society, and institutions. As such, AI presents huge opportunities and risks to all New Zealanders, AI Forum establishment chair, Stu Christie says. “AI will raise major social, ethical, and policy issues in almost every sector. It is critical for New Zealand’s sake that we actively consider, lift awareness of, and prepare for the changes AI will bring. “Following the release of the Chapman Tripp and IOD report last year and an initiative within the NZ Angel investor community a national working group into the impact of AI has formed with the underlying suppor t of NZTech, a notfor profit association that works to improve New Zealand’s prosperity underpinned by technology by connecting, promoting and advancing tech communities across New Zealand. “Designed to be a centre of gravity for all things AI in New Zealand the group already includes key government agencies, universities and tech firms who are working together to ensure AI creates a better New Zealand. “There is a sense of duty to seek a deeper understanding of New Zealand’s potential as an AI-assisted economy and society, to ensure AI is a positive part of New Zealand’s future,” Mr Christie says. NZTech chief executive Graeme Muller says the potential reach of Artificial Intelligence is pervasive. The future impacts on the economy and society will be significant and disruptive. Governments, businesses, investors and research institutes around the world are applying ever-greater time and effort into developing and deploying the next generation of AI systems and considering the implications for policy and regulation, he says. “AI technologies have been rapidly evolving over the past 10 years. They are extensively used already – in tools such as phones, search engines, vehicles, logistics, health services, financial services, industrial processes, public services, and military systems. “AI is globally-relevant and cutting-edge. Nobody has a monopoly on the unique knowledge, impact and possibilities it presents; and nobody can predict with any certainty how AI will transform our future. But we can be sure the reach of AI will continue to grow and at an increasing pace. “We know AI is expected to have the largest impact on developed countries that depend on knowledge resources and productivity gains for growth. New Zealand is one such country. Our focus on primary production and our relative underinvestment in technology companies may see us fall behind other counties which are better able to realise productivity gains from AI technologies. “Unlike previous waves of automation, it will not just be the low-skilled and repetitive jobs that are most at risk of being displaced by technology. Knowledge workers are also at risk as bots automate and therefore careful planning for businesses and the economy needs to be managed correctly.” The AI Forum is about to undertake a critical piece of research and is looking to all organisations and people with an interest in AI to step forward to ensure we identify the biggest opportunities for New Zealand and mitigate any risks. Kaeser Compressors New Zealand has announced that it has signed an agreement to remain the sponsor of the Maintenance Engineering Society of New Zealand (MESNZ) Network Evening Series. The MESNZ - a Technical Group of the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand – launched its Network Evening Series over three years ago. These events bring members and interested parties alike together at local operations in a casual after-hours atmosphere, to learn something about the host’s world and network with other engineers over light refreshments. Following a successful partnership in 2016, Kaeser Compressors says the exceptional levels of turnout and high profile business tours make re-signing a no-brainer. One of the world’s largest and most successful suppliers of air systems, Kaeser Compressors manufactures an extensive range of high quality stationary, low pressure, portable and dental compressors from its state-ofthe art production facilities in Germany. Closer to home, Kaeser Compressors New Zealand provides comprehensive sales and service support throughout New Zealand from its offices in Auckland, alongside an extensive and committed network of authorised sales and service centres. Dedicated to supporting the New Zealand industry, it is no surprise then that Kaeser has chosen to continue to sponsor this series of events, demonstrating its commitment to engineers on the ground as well as the activities of MESNZ. There are a number of Kaeser Compressors Network Evening Series events already planned for 2017. For details of the upcoming events visit www.kaeser.co.nz or www.mesnz.org.nz AI set to massively impact New Zealand processes Graeme Muller N E W S SIGN UP FOR YOUR FREE eMag www.engineeringnews.co.nz LOADS OF EXTRA MULTIMEDIA CONTENT
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