AI Summit

In person-registration is required and open to current CUID holders.
We welcome everyone to watch the livestream starting at 10 AM on March 4.

Program at a Glance

Sami Haddadin

 

 

Sami Haddadin, Director of the Munich Institute of Robotics and Machine Intelligence
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM | Low Library

Sami Haddadin is a world-renowned robotics and AI researcher, serving as Director of MIRMI at TUM in Munich and Vice President for Research at MBZUAI in Abu Dhabi. His pioneering work spans robotics, artificial intelligence, and neurotechnology, driving innovations that shape the future of human-centered robotics and embodied AI. From groundbreaking research to globally used commercial robots like Franka and KUKA, Prof. Haddadin’s contributions power the current revolution in physical AI. Recognized with prestigious awards, including the Leibniz Prize, he has also shared his vision as a plenary speaker at leading conferences like AAAI and ICRA. Beyond the lab, his work influences global AI strategies and features in science and art museums worldwide.

Closing Keynote: Robots and the Search for Universal Intelligence: How Machines Learn to Move, Think, and Adapt

Full Program

Low Memorial Library

 

  • 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Check-in and Poster Session
  • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: New Frontiers of AI
  • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Will Machines Have Free Will? Shaping the Future of AI
  • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: From Chaos to Code: How AI Can Tame the Climate Crisis

                

  • 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM: Sami Haddadin, Director of the Munich Institute of Robotics and Machine Intelligence

Bollinger Forum

 

  • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Check-in and Poster Session
  • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: AI and Creativity
  • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: ChatCEO: How AI is Influencing Leadership and Labor

 

Vagelos Education Center

 

  • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Check-in and Poster Session
  • 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Decoding the Mind: From the Brain to Mental Health
  • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: AI for Cancer Care: From Cells to Systems

 

Session Information

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Morningside Campus - Low Memorial Library

Artificial intelligence is redefining our understanding of intelligence, spanning embodied cognition, robotics, causal inference, and the bold pursuit of artificial general intelligence (AGI). This dynamic panel of technical lightning talks will explore cutting-edge AI advances and AI’s potential to transform human reasoning. Attendees will uncover the foundational principles driving these technologies while examining their implications for industry and society.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Morningside Campus - Low Memorial Library

As AI grows more autonomous, a profound question arises: will thinking machines possess free will, and how can we govern AI’s place in our shared future? This provocative inquiry opens the door to a discussion on regulation, accountability, and human values. Bringing together experts from policy, philosophy, law, and history, this panel will examine the technical, ethical, and societal implications of granting machines the power to make independent decisions.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Morningside Campus - Low Memorial Library

From spreading wildfires to catastrophic snowstorms, extreme weather events present unprecedented challenges. These climate disasters are rarely isolated; instead, they set off cascading failures across socio-economic systems, disrupting supply chains, healthcare, infrastructure, and communities. Their impacts also ripple through natural ecosystems, displacing wildlife and disrupting biodiversity. This panel will detail how AI is emerging as a powerful ally in supporting disaster preparedness and building resilience across interconnected systems.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Manhattanville Campus - Lee C. Bollinger Forum

As AI redefines the creative process, organizations and individuals alike must navigate its promises and pitfalls. Harnessing the potential of AI requires not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of its impact on human expression, ethics, and collaboration. Drawing insights from the arts, architecture, design, and creative industries, this session aims to move toward a thoughtful, equitable future where AI serves as a tool to enhance—not replace—human ingenuity. Attendees will hear lightning presentations from interdisciplinary researchers who are integrating AI into their creative practice. 

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Manhattanville Campus - Lee C. Bollinger Forum

AI is influencing how executives communicate, make decisions, and move global markets. As a result, many industries are seeing leaders who leverage AI as a partner to enhance strategic vision and innovation. From streamlining decision-making with new insights to democratizing traditionally advanced technology, this panel will examine how AI is impacting leadership in an increasingly complex global economy. Panelists will also discuss the market-shaping potential of AI, from its role in industrial policy to its impact on global competitiveness.

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

CUIMC Campus - Vagelos Education Center

As neuroscience uncovers the intricate workings of the human brain, AI presents an opportunity to transform this knowledge into actionable solutions. This panel will examine how brain-inspired AI models are improving our understanding of mental health issues and their treatment. Experts from neuroscience, healthcare, and social work will explore the technical, clinical, and social challenges of deploying AI. Topics will include advancements in early intervention and personalized therapies, as well as strategies for ensuring more equitable access to treatments across communities.

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

CUIMC Campus - Vagelos Education Center

Across the medical field, AI is revolutionizing the way we detect, understand, and treat cancer. From harnessing the natural capabilities of immune cells to integrating vast data sources to uncover patterns, this discussion will share how AI is supporting oncology. Attendees will gain insights into new technologies and their potential for early detection, personalized treatment, and biomedical discoveries.

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Morningside Campus - Low Memorial Library

Robots and the Search for Universal Intelligence: How Machines Learn to Move, Think, and Adapt

Robots are becoming an integral part of our world, with exponential growth in both their numbers and capabilities over the past five years. From manufacturing to surgery to household helpers, robots are transforming industries. However, one critical piece is still missing: a true robot brain.  

In this talk, Haddadin will explore efforts to develop Universal Physical and Embodied Intelligence—an advanced robotic brain capable of sensing and responding to the dynamic physical world, interacting safely and intelligently, and learning from experience. He will also delve into the potential of these advancements to drive innovation across industries, including their role in the ultimate quest for Robotic Knowledge Discovery in the Natural Sciences. Join Professor Haddadin as we envision a future where robots are not just tools, but true collaborators in shaping tomorrow.

Workshops

Columbia's schools and departments will host satellite workshops offering an in-depth exploration of AI’s impact on specific domains and disciplines. These sessions will provide a unique opportunity to dive into the areas that matter to you most. Check back frequently; additional workshops will be added here as they are confirmed.

Time: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: Low Memorial Library, Faculty Room - Morningside

An interactive session in which organizers will facilitate a conversation about how we imagine AI may change the teaching and learning landscape in higher education. Session facilitators will also share what we have been learning from research among Columbia students about how AI is changing the classroom experience. 

Matthew Connelly, History professor and Vice Dean of AI Initiatives, School of Arts & Sciences
Amanda Irvin, Executive Director, Center for Teaching and Learning
Vishal Misra, Professor of Computer Science, Vice Dean of Computing and AI, Columbia Engineering

Register

Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: Carleton Commons, 4th Floor, Mudd Building - Morningside

The Columbia Engineering AI Demo Session at the Columbia AI Summit will feature demonstrations of current AI research and technology, including examples of motor learning and embodied intelligence on dexterous robot hands. Light refreshments will be provided.

Register

Call for Posters

Members of the Columbia University community are encouraged to submit a poster for inclusion at the Columbia AI Summit. Presenting is a great opportunity to showcase your work, connect with fellow researchers, and learn about new interdisciplinary advancements. 

Application Deadline: Rolling until Tuesday, February 18, 2025 - space is limited, please apply early to be considered

Eligibility: Open to all currently affiliated members of the Columbia University community, including: faculty members; affiliated researchers and research scientists; postdoctoral researchers; and students (undergraduate, graduate, PhD candidates). Please indicate your Columbia UNI when applying. 

Presented by

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