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23/06/2012 GMT

What will it take for robots to completely master basic human skills and for computers to create original works of art?

Thinking machines are an age-old obsession but it's not until the last half a century that they have become a practical challenge.

This week, to mark the centenary of the father of computing Alan Turing, the Forum looks at the shifting boundary between people and machines.

Carrie Gracie is joined by Luis von Ahn, a software inventor who designed a simple but effective test to distinguish humans from software bots, which millions of us take on websites every day.

We also talk to Manuela Veloso, who is developing Cobots, a new type of robot able to know its limitations and ask if it needs help.

And Peter Swirski, who is an expert in science fiction literature and poses philosophical questions about creativity in a world of intelligent machines.

Illustration by Emily Kasriel: when will humans and machines be unable to distinguish who's doing the talking?

Available now

41 minutes

Last on

Sun 24 Jun 2012 11:05GMT

Chapters

  • Part 1

    Luis von Ahn

    Duration: 13:45

  • Manuela Veloso

    Manuela Veloso

    Duration: 09:15

  • Part 2 60 Second Idea

    Peter Swirski: Create edible books

    Duration: 04:26

  • Peter Swirski

    Peter Swirski

    Duration: 13:04

Broadcasts

  • Sat 23 Jun 2012 22:05GMT
  • Sun 24 Jun 2012 01:05GMT
  • Sun 24 Jun 2012 11:05GMT

Do you think political or business leaders need to be charismatic? Or do you prefer highly competent but somewhat stern people?

Do you think political or business leaders need to be charismatic? Or do you prefer highly competent but somewhat stern people?

We鈥檇 love to hear your views on charm and charisma for a future Forum.

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