" A Song for our 100th Birthday "

Wed, Apr 29th 2026 at 12:40 pm - 2:00 pm

John Christie has explored AI

The speaker was Club member John Christie whose magnificent talk entitled ‘A Birthday Song for St Andrews Rotary -The wonders of Artificial Intelligence’ captivated and terrified at the same time. His theme centred on the world his young grandchildren might grow up in. Given the speed AI is developing, doubling its power every seven months, and the all-encompassing nature of its power, it is difficult to grasp what its implications will be short term let alone longer term. Can the world control it or will it control the world? Adequate regulation is clearly needed. John’s talk used facts and examples of AI’s present use which were backed up with excellent screen shots. Driverless cars are now the accepted future; tudents and even primary school children frequently use AI, delegating much to their AI assistant; AI can itself work out whether AI has been used in job applications. Simply by feeding in salient facts John produced an AI-created song, complete with lyrics and music, to celebrate the centenary of the Club in 2027 and amused his audience with an AI-drafted letter, gentle in tone, subtle in its criticism, but firmly making its point, to a member of the Club who had failed to turn up to reception duty. AI clearly has potential to assist society but its advance is frightening to those who think they will be adversely affected. There seems little doubt it will eliminate many jobs, especially routine, low grade jobs. Research -done byAI?- seems to suggest that jobs such as firefighters, plumbers and electricians may be the most secure in this new world. Japan, however, sees the development of AI humanoids more positively -with a falling birth rate they already see such humanoids playing a significant role in hospitality and as care workers. John’s grasp of his subject was hugely impressive and spellbinding throughout. James Murray gave a warm vote of thanks.