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Toby Walsh
AI Whisperer Extraordinaire

Toby Walsh

Chief Scientist at UNSW.AI

Toby Walsh
Pabitra Moharana·Published Updated

Key takeaways

  • Highlight the urgent need for AI regulation to address ethical concerns and societal impact.
  • Advocate for trustworthy AI development, particularly in response to autonomous weapons threats.
  • Explore moral dilemmas of AI in daily life through Walsh's book, 'Machines Behaving Badly.'
  • Engage with global audiences, including the United Nations, on AI's role in healthcare and education.
5 min

Toby Walsh is among the most influential voices in artificial intelligence highlighting the dire need for AI regulation more than ever.

As a Scientia professor and Laureate Fellow at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney, Australia, his journey through the world of AI spans over 40 years. But it's not just his research work that makes him stand out, he’s known for his deep concern for AI’s impact on society. 

Walsh is a passionate advocate for building AI we can trust, often raising the alarm about the ethical dangers, including the threat of autonomous weapons. His strong stance on the “killer robots” has even led to him being banned from Russia indefinitely.

Walsh serves as the chief scientist at UNSW.AI. His recent book, Machines Behaving Badly, thoughtfully explores the moral dilemmas AI presents in our daily lives. 

Known for his engaging presence on the global stage, he’s frequently invited to speak at high-profile events, including the United Nations, where he tackles big questions about the future of AI and how it could reshape critical areas like healthcare and education.