MIAMI—Columbia University professor of mechanical engineering Hod Lipson, a roboticist and expert in artificial intelligence and digital manufacturing, has joined the lineup for PRovoke16, the fifth annual Global Public Relations Summit, which takes place in Miami later this month.

At a session sponsored and moderated by Weber Shandwick, Lipson will discuss the new world of “self-driving cars, chatbots, and Alexa” where we have taught machines to paint works of art, apply tattoos and write songs. The session will ask whether press releases and creative briefs next and how the growth of AI will compare and contrast to the impact social and digital media had on our industry.

Lipson's research asks questions such as: Can robots ultimately design and make other robots? Can machines be curious and creative?  Will robots ever be truly self-aware? Answers to these questions can help illuminate life’s big mysteries.

An award-winning researcher, teacher, and communicator, Lipson enjoys sharing the beauty of robotics though his books, essays, public lectures, and radio and television appearances. Hod is a professor of Mechanical Engineering at Columbia University, where he directs the Creative Machines Lab, which pioneers new ways to make machines that create, and machines that are creative.

He joins a line-up of speakers that also includes Casey Gerald, the co-founder and CEO of MBAs Across America; Frontline executive producer Raney Aronson-Rath; Teresa Younger, president and CEO, the Ms. Foundation for Women; and Dr Philippa Malmgren, author of Signals: The Breakdown of the Social Contract and the Rise of Geopolitics and founder of economic advisory firm DPRM Group.

PRovoke16: the fifth annual Global Public Relations Summit will take place once again at the St Regis Bal Harbour hotel in Miami, starting with the Independent PR Firm Summit on Monday October 24 and continuing with two days of provocative content on October 25 and 26.

Tickets are on sale now. Attendees can also book their rooms at the St Regis Bal Harbour at our special rate.