DALLE-2 is a fascinating example of a generative AI system that can create images from a textual description. As an experiment, I gave it a series of my six word science fixtion stories. Sometimes it completely misses the mark - it can't read between the lines or imagine anything at all. But sometimes it produces really interesting illustrations of the stories. I've been posting a few examples on twitter @peterjbentley. Here's one of my favourites: Old spacecraft make lovely hanging baskets.

I was asked by Ben Fox of shepherd.com to add to their book lists, which helps authors promote books to readers while also sharing their own favourite books. I chose to do a list on AI books, plus a couple of wild card science fiction books. I read quite a bit so I cannot claim these are my favourites, as these change over time... but I enjoyed them at around the time of writing the list, so that's why they made it there. You can see my book list here:

I'm pleased to announce that my new book will be published next month. Entitled: "10 Short Lessons in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics", it is one of the launch titles of the Michael O’Mara Books new Pocket Einstein series. We've finalised the cover, complete with a very nice quote from Steve Pinker. The full quote was:

Artificial Intelligence is both a fascinating topic and a pressing issue. But much of the commentary has been not-so-intelligent, discussing this technology as an awesome or terrifying form of black magic. Peter Bentley is a true expert, and has given us a lucid, balanced, and engaging tour of one of the most important phenomena of this century.​ Steven Pinker, Johnstone Professor of Psychology, Harvard University, and author of How the Mind Works and Enlightenment Now.

Thanks Steve!