A new exhibition at Bletchley Park explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern society, tracing its origins back to World War Two.
The Wartime Origins of AI
During World War Two, Bletchley Park, located near Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, became a top-secret hub for breaking coded messages used by the Nazis and German high command. The pioneering work done here laid the foundation for modern computing and AI.
A Global AI Hub
In November 2023, Bletchley Park hosted the first Global AI Safety Summit, attended by then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk. This prestigious event highlighted the significance of AI in shaping the world’s future.
To mark the occasion of the third AI Safety Summit, set to be held in France in February, Bletchley Park will launch a new exhibition titled “The Age of AI.”
Exploring AI: Past, Present, and Future
Tilly Davis, Exhibition and Interpretations Manager at Bletchley Park, explained that the exhibition aims to provide a balanced view of AI’s development and impact.
“We’ve really tried to present a balanced view of both the opportunities and the risks of AI,” she said.
The exhibition includes insights from leading AI experts with varying perspectives on the technology’s future.
AI’s Impact on Society
One key focus of the exhibition is AI’s role in addressing climate change. However, it also examines the energy consumption of data centers required to power AI systems, presenting both the benefits and challenges of this technology.
Bletchley Park’s Legacy in Problem-Solving
Erica Munro, Head of Content at Bletchley Park, emphasized how the venue has always been at the forefront of tackling complex problems:
“Bletchley Park was a place during World War Two where technology was used to help solve really thorny, difficult, complicated problems. What is AI if not a tool to help us do that nowadays?”
Final Thoughts
The Age of AI exhibition offers a unique perspective on the evolution of AI—from its wartime origins to its modern applications and future possibilities. It serves as a must-visit event for history and technology enthusiasts alike.
