Artificial intelligence, artificial idiocy, or probability machine?
Artificial Intelligence was born in 1956, went through some awkward teenage years (also known as "AI Winters"), and then — to almost everyone's surprise — came roaring back with tools like ChatGPT. Today, AI is the fastest-growing industry in the history of capitalism and devours around 20% of the world's R&D budget. That's a lot of brainpower (artificial or otherwise).
Join Dr Karl as he connects the dots between the tech booms of yesterday — from the family car to the first home computers — and today's mind-bending AI explosion. Along the way, he'll share how AI has been used to both attack and discredit him, and how he's now turning the tables to make it a Force for Good.
Expect real science stuff, genuinely funny (not artificially generated) stories, a few unexpected detours and — of course — question time with prizes.
This session is part of the Beaker Street Main Stage at Hobart City Hall. Your House Band for the evening will be the dangerously well-rehearsed Stevie and the Bunsen Burners. Enter through Market Place, where you'll find drinks, food, fires, and friendly strangers. Come early, stay late to enjoy all the action.

What's on:

Events and points of interest around Hobart.

25 Jul 2025 - 11 Aug 2025
Celebrating National Tree Day | Handmark Artists | Group Exhibition
Handmark is excited to present our annual National Tree Day Exhibition, with 10% of all sales going to the Cancer Research Fund.
2 Aug 2025 - 24 Aug 2025
Hadley’s Art Prize
Presented by Hadley’s Orient Hotel, the Hadley’s Art Prize, Hobart is an annual, acquisitive Australian landscape prize, which offers $100,000 to the winning entry.
4 May 2025 - 1 Nov 2025
Kunanyi Trail Series
Awesome community trail running events on Hobart's iconic mountain! The Series offers adventure, community spirit and a chance to immerse yourself in nature!
9 Dec 2023 - 30 Nov 2025
Leap and Wander Studio, pottery workshops
Leap and Wander Pottery Workshops will help you discover your inner potter. Workshoppers pinch, roll, sip and nibble our way through a few hours.
23 May 2025 - 12 Oct 2025
Oliffe Richmond
An exhibition of works by Oliffe Richmond (1919–1977) who was a Tasmanian-born sculptor who built a distinguished career in Britain.
17 Mar 2025 - 21 Sep 2025
On Island
On Island is an exhibition of artworks that respond to Tasmania/Lutruwita from a wide range of perspectives. All of the artworks are from the Tasmanian
1 Mar 2022 - 31 Aug 2025
Phoenix Creations Wooden Spoon Carving Workshops
Welcome to a day of creative mindfulness with David and Michelle of Phoenix Creations. In their small studio tucked away just 2 minutes from Cygnet's
11 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025
re/JOY
Presented by the Australian Design Centre 'On Tour', a major exhibition by the award-winning ceramic Thai-born Australian artist Vipoo Srivilasa comes to TMAG.
26 Feb 2023 - 7 Feb 2027
Farm Gate Market
Tasmanian Farm Gate is Hobart's farmers' market showcasing and selling direct from the producer to the public.
1 Sep 2024 - 7 Dec 2025
Waterworks Valley Landcare
Restoring the Waterworks Valley urban fringe for people and wildlife.
All events