Artificial intelligence is a hot topic in theoretical and applied research, as well as in general discussions about the profound impact it may have on individuals, industries and economies. The new Centre for Artificial Intelligence at UTS (UTS: CAI) will focus on the theoretical foundations and advanced technologies that will create intelligent machines with greater capacity for perception, learning and reasoning. "Establishing this centre gives us the opportunity to explore beyond core technology and into the impact of our discoveries. This includes the ethics of artificial intelligence, such as interrogating the way it will impact the future of work; and moral decisions we will need to explore around developments such as driverless vehicles," Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Professor Glenn Wightwick told guests at the launch event. NSW Chief Scientist Professor Mary O'Kane pointed to Australia's well-established research into AI, which included her own experience gaining a PhD in the 1970s at the NSW Institute of Technology, now UTS.