Haring discusses AI, measurement and special scientists during FHI Members Network Meeting

Bas Haring, professor and popular philosopher, closed the FHI Members Network Meeting in Driebergen on Tuesday, November 22, after a long day of meetings. Haring spoke in his speech of an hour of technology, including of course technicians, the benefits of small (family) businesses and artificial intelligence.

Haring started with a story about the New Zealand economist William ('Bill') Phillips. He invented the Moniac (Monetary National Income Analogue Computer). Through this self-constructed device, Phillips managed to explain Keynes's economic theories. He is also known for the Phillips curve in which he shows that if unemployment falls, inflation rises, and vice versa. Haring believed that the Moniac once again proved how you can visualize theory with all kinds of components.

In the second part of his lecture, the philosopher delved deeper into artificial intelligence and robotics. He quoted roboticist Rodney Brooks and made an argument for many small robots that operate smarter in large numbers. Haring also spoke about the extremely rapid developments in the chip market, with smaller and smaller chips becoming more powerful every year. When an audience member discussed the development of Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) mentioned, Haring was completely enthusiastic.

In an excursion on the subject of measurement, Haring discussed the Dutch landscape architect Mien Ruys. Her idiosyncratic ideas about how to design gardens and parks, and by looking at space differently, create new insights. He further stated that measuring can be done differently by not always using very expensive and specialist measuring equipment, but by carrying out many measurements with countless small but less accurate devices. The human body that 'measures' heat and cold with countless sensors served as an example.

Haring concluded his speech with reflections on small organizations, SMEs and family businesses. He stated that small companies in particular are able to become more sustainable more quickly because they are more agile and innovative. Haring compared SMEs to small remote islands, where special animal species are more likely to live.

The session with Haring was the discussion afterwards, when it was high time for the members drinks. By looking at technology from a different perspective, new insights arise. And that is precisely the idea of the closing sessions during the FHI Members Network Meeting.