I've seen some bad comedy acts over the years – but not, until now, one that is part of an existential threat to humanity. One of artificial intelligence's pre-eminent boffins, Geoffrey Hinton, sent out shock waves recently by arguing that, in relation to AI: "We're toast. This is the actual end of history." That's a hell of a backdrop to my visit to see Artificial Intelligence Improvisation, a show by the Improbotics troupe playing as part of an AI festival in London this week. You'll forgive me, I hope, for some hesitation in wielding the critical brickbat, given that the act under review boasts the capacity to wipe out all of us.

Supported by a host of East Anglian based businesses and universities, this virtual event is exploring the possibilities for applied'Artificial Intelligence' Facebook, Google, and BT are just some of the leading technology companies set to share their knowledge and insights at the newly launched AI Festival, on 24 and 25 February 2021. Created by Suffolk based Orbital Global and BT, this virtual event is a unique initiative that will explore the implications for business, skills, and employment in relation to what could be the defining technology of the 21st Century. Taking place online at www.aiglobalfestival.com and accessible globally, the ticketed, two-day event brings together a range of sector specialists to share their experiences and forecasts for the future in a series of inspirational keynote talks, workshops, 'fireside chats', and technology demonstrations. This includes former NASA scientist, Peter Scott, who worked for the space agency's famed Jet Propulsion Laboratory, speaking about the future of AI and technology, Professor Paul Hunter from University of East Anglia will share what the pandemic tells us about future AI and digital based approaches to health, and Daniela Rus from MIT will provide an overview of AI robotic automation and the opportunities this offers the average business. The line-up includes many other world leading representatives from organisations such as PwC, Silicon Valley Bank, Alan Turing Institute, MIT, IQ Capital, Innovate UK, Orbital Global, VirtTuri, Wilkin and Sons Tiptree, University of Essex, and University of Suffolk.