Understanding AI - an interactive event at Festival of the Mind

The Centre for Machine Intelligence (CMI) would like to invite you to Understanding AI, our showcase at Festival of the Mind 2026, taking place in Sheffield on Saturday 7 November.

Understanding AI showcase

What does artificial intelligence mean for our daily lives and for society? Join researchers from the University of Sheffield for live robotics demonstrations, digital exhibits, interactive activities, and vital conversations exploring the forefront of AI technology, its practical applications, and its impact on society. 

Interact with robots, learn about real-world applications of AI, consider the social and ethical implications of these technologies, and make zines about your own AI experiences in an artist-led workshop. 

Documentary premiere: Let's Talk AI 

The day concludes with the premiere of a new documentary about Let's Talk AI, a grassroots campaign for public AI literacy that grew from conversations with the public into a national initiative that’s travelled the world. Directed by Sean Lovell, the film follows Dr Susan Oman and retired librarian Margaret Colling as the campaign moved from community workshops and bus stop displays to Parliament and the International AI Summit in Delhi, where its webtoon was presented at the British Council UK Pavilion. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the team on putting the public at the heart of AI decision-making and AI literacy.

Watch the trailer:

Event details:

• Date: Saturday 7 November 2026
• Showcase: 10:00–16:00 (drop-in, with some scheduled activities)
• Film screening and Q&A: 16:30–18:00
• Venue: Channing Hall, 45 Surrey Street, Sheffield S1 2LG

A detailed programme of the day with timings of workshops will be available soon!

If you are unable to attend, the film will be made available on the Sheffield Media Player after the premiere, and the Let’s Talk AI website will be updated accordingly.