Cairns residents can now try AI in an interactive new space

Want to try AI but not sure how? Cairns’ very first artificial intelligence hub will be opening this week, inviting the general public to learn about the new world of technology.

The first regional artificial intelligence (AI) hub will be opening on Thursday in Cairns as one of four regional AI hubs, inviting the general public, business owners, researchers, and students to immerse themselves in a new world of technology.

The Cairns AI Hub is a physical space run by researchers at James Cook University (JCU) and invites members of the community to engage in new technology such as driving simulators and an “edu-verse”- a space where people can create avatars and walk around an entire AI-generated world.

To launch the AI Hub, an event on Thursday night at JCU will showcase a panel of experienced speakers and allow people to participate in workshops.

Lead researcher, innovator and AI enthusiast Dr Samantha Horseman said the workshop has its doors open for anyone willing to learn about AI and invites people to walk in whenever they please.

Makerspace Innovators: Dr. Eric Wang and Dr. Samantha Horseman are pioneering Cairns new AI Hub. Photo: supplied

“I want to see Cairns residents come to play and learn,” she said.

“From the minute you walk in, we’ll be showing you a whole new world of technology and creating a space for people to ask questions.”

Dr Horseman emphasised that there was incredible talent within Cairns, and the new AI Hub encourages that talent to stay.

Demelza Werly has worked on an AI that helps her drive with her visual impairment, allowing technology to detect signs on the road and flash them up in front of her eyes in a way that is easy to digest. The technology can be plugged into most cars making it accessible. Ms Werly will be presenting on Thursday night. Photo: supplied.

“We’re showing the rest of the world that we are the pioneers in harnessing this kind of technology,” she said.

“This hub is unique because it’s hosted by JCU, so it is also lead by researchers, innovators and teachers.”

The official launch will be held on Thursday from 4.30pm and is a free event to attend.

The panel of speakers include Advance Cairns CEO Jacinta Reddan and technical founder and deep-tech/ AI inventor Mic Black.

Cairns AI Hub Directors – Director Dr. Samantha Horseman and Co-Director Raiyan Talkhani. Photo: supplied

Tickets for the event can be accessed through this link.

The AI hub will be open from Thursday at the JCU ideas lab, a space that was opened in 2020.

Dr Horseman said she was“extremely excited” about the opportunity.

“The AI hub is supposed to spark curiosity and inspiration,” she said.

“We also work closely with start-ups, as over 1000 new start-ups a week contain some sort of AI in their model.

“We want to encourage people to come in, roll up their sleeves and learn as much as they can.”

Originally published as Cairns residents can now try AI in an interactive new space