Computers Don't Byte

Associate Professor Joost Broekens and Assistant Professor Thomas Moerland explore the rapid rise of AI. Are we in the middle of a hype cycle, or is something truly transformative happening? And how do we keep these increasingly powerful systems safe? These questions—and more—drive this new CDB episode. 

AI brings huge advantages, but not without trade‑offs. Is today’s AI revolution comparable to the invention of the steam engine? Cultural evolution is accelerating as knowledge fuels more knowledge, while humans become the limiting factor. Yet AI still mirrors us, shaped by human ideas and behavior. And doesn't the Turing test feel a bit outdated now that distinguishing AI agents from humans is becoming harder than ever.

Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest

What if a childhood game could unlock the mysteries of quantum mechanics? In this episode, we sit down with Assistant Professor Evert van Nieuwenburg to explore how Tiq Taq Toe is revolutionizing the way we learn physics. Through interactive gameplay, this innovative tool makes abstract quantum concepts more intuitive and engaging.

Whether you're a science enthusiast or just curious about learning through play, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into a whole new way of thinking. Tune in and discover how simple moves can reveal the wonders of a complex universe.

Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest

Can AI revolutionize elderly care? Professor Marco Spruit, an expert in translational data science, is developing Well-being AI—a smart pet robot that provides companionship while monitoring health through language markers. This technology could ease pressure on healthcare services by detecting early signs of decline and alerting caregivers.

Beyond professional care, these intelligent robots could also support informal caregivers. Imagine a situation where one partner begins to suffer from dementia—this technology would allow the other partner to remotely monitor their well-being, offering peace of mind and timely intervention. This way AI can be the key to a more sustainable and compassionate future for elderly care? 

Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest

How can nature-inspired evolution help us create the perfect optical lens? Assistant Professor Anna Kononova explores this question in her research. High-tech industries, like computer chip manufacturers, require ultra-precise lenses to keep up with the demand for increasingly complex designs.

Anna uses evolutionary computing, a technique that mimics natural selection. Just as nature evolves the fittest species, computers generate and test many lens designs, keeping the best and refining them over generations. This approach helps create cutting-edge technology with incredible precision. 

Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest

Ever wondered how algorithms make sense of complex problems? In this episode, we dive deep into the art of designing algorithms with associate professor Mitra Baratchi. Exploring how computers process data, find connections, and deliver insights.

While algorithms can solve many challenges, there are limits to their accuracy. How can researchers identify these gaps and guide users toward the best solutions. How much should we rely on algorithms, and where does human expertise come in? 

Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest

How and why do humans form relationships with AI? This question lies at the core of Assistant Professor Peter van der Putten’s research. While AI sparks fear—raising concerns about its impact on our place in the universe—it also fascinates us, offering glimpses into an unknown future.

But can we truly bond with AI? It’s one thing to feel attached to a humanoid robot or a robotic pet, but what about a simple wooden cube with a moving face? In his study Common Locus, Peter explored just that. The results might surprise you—and reveal more about human nature than you’d expect.

If you want to read more about the research project of Joost Mollen, Peter van der Putten, and Kate Darling: Bonding with a Couchsurfing Robot: The Impact of Common Locus on Human-Robot Bonding In-the-wild. ACM Transactions on Human-Robot Interaction. 12, 1, Article 8, March 2023.

More information about Peter can be found here: https://liacs.leidenuniv.nl/~puttenpwhvander/ 

Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest

In this episode, LIACS Assistant Professor Hao Wang shares insights into multi-criteria optimization and the concept of the Pareto optimum. Discover how these powerful techniques, often used in decision-making and problem-solving, can help you plan the perfect trip.

Whether you’re balancing cost, travel time, and comfort or choosing between destinations, learn how mathematical models can guide you toward the best possible choices. Tune in for a new episode that bridges research and real-life experiences.

Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest

The hay fever season lasts longer than it used to because of climate change. LIACS Assistant Professor Lu Cao explains how machine learning and AI can help to easier count pollen in the air. This improves the accuracy and efficiency of pollen monitoring, a critical tool for understanding seasonal allergies, air quality, and climate impact.

Discover how AI-driven technologies can improve the accuracy and efficiency of pollen monitoring, providing valuable insights for municipal governments. With better data, policymakers can adjust their strategies on public green spaces, balancing ecological benefits with the needs of residents affected by allergies. 

Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest

Can robots feel joy or guilt? Can they have emotions at all? Today, we dive into the fascinating world of "affective" computing with Associate Professor Joost Broekens, a leading expert in the field. But what exactly is affective computing?

We also tackle the ethical challenges of AI-emotion interaction, exploring topics like the European AI Act, which bans emotion recognition in education and the workplace. Are these new technologies transforming artificial intelligence into emotional intelligence?

Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest

Professor Vedran Dunjko leads the Applied Quantum Algorithms group at Leiden University. His research focuses on quantum computing, which uses quantum effects to greatly improve computation. This could lead to much more powerful computers. Developing a working quantum computer is an ongoing effort, bringing both exciting possibilities and potential security risks because of its superior computing abilities.

Much of what a quantum computer can achieve remains a mystery, even to experts like Dunjko. Essentially, the quantum computer is a solution in search of a problem. Nonetheless, Dunjko is confident in its potential applications, particularly in the field of quantum physics.  

Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest