Alan Finkel, speaking at an artificial intelligence summit at Monash University in Melbourne on Thursday, said there was a "golden opportunity" for Australia to be a world leader in scientific discovery while also holding to the ideals of a virtuous society. He said there was enormous potential for artificial intelligence to deliver substantial benefits to Australians in areas as varied as manufacturing and financial services. Chief Scientist Alan Finkel says the advent of artificial intelligence will need both technological as well as ethical considerations. But Dr Finkel pointed to how Google this month obtained a patent to use sensors and cameras to monitor home activity. It claims to be able to work out the title of a book someone is reading in their bed.

The nation's chief scientist has urged software developers on the cusp of artificial intelligence breakthroughs not to lose their "moral compass" amid fears humans will be treated as data points by our largest companies. Alan Finkel, speaking at an artificial intelligence summit at Monash University in Melbourne on Thursday, said there was a "golden opportunity" for Australia to be a world leader in scientific discovery while also holding to the ideals of a virtuous society. He said there was enormous potential for artificial intelligence to deliver substantial benefits to Australians in areas as varied as manufacturing and financial services. Chief Scientist Alan Finkel says the advent of artificial intelligence will need both technological as well as ethical considerations.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen But Dr Finkel pointed to how Google this month obtained a patent to use sensors and cameras to monitor home activity. It claims to be able to work out the title of a book someone is reading in their bed.