Medical Assistance Systems

‘Sieker speaks and we listen’: this is the motto for a new programme being launched by Bielefeld University in the Sieker neighbourhood. It is organised by the Collaborative Research Centre 1646 ‘Linguistic Creativity in Communication’ and Transregio 318 ‘Constructing Explainability’. The Medical Assistance Systems (MAS) working group is also contributing to the programme with an activity.

The focus is on discussing language and artificial intelligence. The researchers want to engage in conversation with local residents to find out about their everyday experiences with language and how things change when we communicate with AI. The activities are aimed in particular at people who have had little contact with universities and research to this point.

It all began with a graffiti workshop led by the Bielefeld-based artist MARLA for girls aged twelve and over. Under the theme ‘What does artificial intelligence mean to you? AI in your own words and images’, the participants explored their own ideas about AI. They developed designs which they applied to cardboard walls using spray cans. The resulting graffiti pieces were exhibited at the Sieker neighbourhood festival. There, the two research alliances were represented with a joint stand and collected ‘language treasures’ from visitors as well as their questions about artificial intelligence.

Over the coming weeks, the programme will continue at the Stadtteilküche and the Sieker Youth Centre with workshops, hands-on afternoons and a storytelling café. Visitors will be able to try out AI tools, robots, chatbots, AI games and language games, amongst other things, and share their wishes and expectations regarding these technologies. The AG MAS will be running a participatory station on 13 October: under the guidance of Sinem Görmez anyone interested can control the Nao robot.