Most domains of today’s society are largely characterized by science and technology. Computerization, robots, and autonomous cars: What will be the role of human beings in the future? Scientists of the KIT Humans and Technology Center will present exciting research results all around the topic of “Autonomous Technology” on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at 6:30 PM in the Karlsruhe Town Hall.
Driving a car, playing chess, or performing surgery: Increasingly powerful and precise machines are transforming our daily life. Technology is nowadays present in almost every area of human life: It is the main component of mobility, energy, or healthcare. The most exciting feature in this context is the man-machine interface.
The KIT “Humans and Technology Center” explores the consequences of technological innovations and examines the interaction between society and science, i.e. the Center links natural and engineering sciences with humanities and social sciences. About 400 researchers from 35 KIT institutes collaborate in an interdisciplinary approach.
The focus lies on economic, legal, social, ethical, cultural, political, and psychological aspects of the relation between man and technology. The broad spectrum of research topics includes for example the increasing computerization, the impact of novel technologies on the society, sustainable development, or the use of renewable energies and resources. The event is intended to sharpen the profile of KIT as the research university in the Helmholtz association that delves deeply into innovative technology and social change.
The “KIT at the City Hall” series of events is intended to introduce this exciting and manifold research to interested citizens. All interested persons, in particular pupils, are invited to take part in this event coordinated by KIT’s ZAK | Center for Cultural and General Studies. The presentations are followed by a reception where the public can meet the scientists and discuss with them. Concurrently with the event, a poster and photo exhibition organized by the KIT Center is held from July 4 until 13, 2017 in the upper foyer of the Karlsruhe Town Hall. Entry is free.
Program (Presentations in German)
Welcome speeches
Michael Obert, Mayor of Karlsruhe Municipality
Professor Oliver Kraft, Vice President for Research of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
Presentation of the KIT Humans and Technology Center
Professor Armin Grunwald, Scientific Spokesman of the KIT Humans and Technology Center, Head of the Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS)
Mein Kollege, der Roboter: (schöne) neue Arbeitswelten
Dr. Bettina-Johanna Krings, Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS), Head of the research area Knowledge Society and Knowledge Policy
Vom Fahrer zum Frachtgut? Der Mensch im selbstfahrenden Auto
Professor Armin Grunwald, Scientific Spokesman of the KIT Humans and Technology Center, Head of the Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS)
Falsch verschaltet! Der Karlsruher Informatiker Karl Steinbuch und die Utopie einer totalen Informationsgesellschaft um 1970
Professor Rolf-Ulrich Kunze, Institute of History, Modern and Contemporary History
Find more information at: www.zak.kit.edu/kit_im_rathaus (in German only)
Being “The Research University in the Helmholtz Association”, KIT creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is the objective to make significant contributions to the global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 10,000 employees cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities and social sciences. KIT prepares its 22,800 students for responsible tasks in society, industry, and science by offering research-based study programs. Innovation efforts at KIT build a bridge between important scientific findings and their application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural basis of life. KIT is one of the German universities of excellence.